Politics & Diplomacy

Politics & Diplomacy

Healthy democratic societies are governed through the holding of elections, passage of policies through government institutions, and equal application of the law to all citizens. These activities influence not only the internal decisions of these societies, but also inform the ways countries interact with their regional and global neighbors, whether through direct bilateral ties or encompassed in larger international organizations.

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Why Portugal’s upcoming presidential election has echoes of 1986

New Atlanticist Mar 18, 2025

The Gaza cease-fire is over. What’s next from Israel, Hamas, and the US?

By Atlantic Council experts

In the early hours of March 18, Israel launched air strikes on Gaza, ending the two-month cease-fire. Atlantic Council experts answer pressing questions about the resumed conflict.
Conflict Israel
Why Portugal’s upcoming presidential election has echoes of 1986

New Atlanticist Mar 17, 2025

Enough carrots for Putin. For better negotiations, serve ‘maximum pressure’ instead.

By Benjamin L. Schmitt, Richard L. Morningstar, and Daniel Fried

Since Russia appears content for negotiations to move slowly, the Trump administration should turn up the pressure with new sanctions.
Conflict Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion
Why Portugal’s upcoming presidential election has echoes of 1986

Issue Brief Mar 13, 2025

Present without impact? How the Middle East perceives China’s diplomatic engagement

By Jonathan Fulton

Despite economic advancements and high-profile diplomatic engagements, China’s influence remains largely economic rather than political, Jonathan Fulton argues.
China Economy & Business

Content

Dispatches

Jan 16, 2026

Why Portugal’s upcoming presidential election has echoes of 1986

By Andrew Bernard

With three major candidates coming from outside the traditional center-left and center-right parties, the field is fractured and wide-open.

Economy & Business Elections

Balkans Debrief

Jan 16, 2026

Is the U.S. Back in the Western Balkans? A Debrief with Congressman Mike Turner

Rep. Mike Turner sits down with Ilva Tare of the Europe Center to discuss the future of US engagement in the Western Balkans.

Europe & Eurasia Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Jan 15, 2026

Kroenig in “The President’s Inbox” on Trump’s foreign policy

By Atlantic Council

Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on "The President's Inbox," a Council on Foreign Relations podcast, where he discussed the first year of Trump's foreign policy.

Politics & Diplomacy United States and Canada

UkraineAlert

Jan 15, 2026

Veterans can shape the future of Ukrainian democracy

By Vasyl Sehin

The participation of military veterans in Ukraine's political life has the potential to dramatically strengthen Ukrainian democracy and safeguard the country's historic transition from centuries of Russian autocracy, writes Vasyl Sehin.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Jan 15, 2026

After Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, what comes next?

By Amit Yarom

Recognition reshapes the scope of bilateral engagement but does not eliminate the constraints tied to Somaliland’s contested status.

Africa East Africa

In the News

Jan 14, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: A Father’s Cry, a Nation’s Future

By Atlantic Council

Freedom and Prosperity Iran

MENASource

Jan 14, 2026

Voices from Iran: As rejection of government reaches all-time high, Iranians also wary of foreign intervention

By Tara Kangarlou

If Trump is serious about peace, stability, and a lasting legacy, the path forward does not run through air strikes or transactional deals with a failing theocracy.

Civil Society Crisis Management

Dispatches

Jan 14, 2026

How the IMF can help Venezuela stabilize its economy

By Martin Mühleisen

The institution can bring financing and technical assistance to a Venezuelan debt restructuring—and in a way the prevents preferential treatment to Chinese creditors.

Economy & Business International Financial Institutions

Report

Jan 14, 2026

Digital sovereignty: Europe’s declaration of independence?

By Frances Burwell, Kenneth Propp

In Brussels, "digital sovereignty" may be the new "strategic autonomy": a push for Europe to go its own way and depend less on the United States. As US tech companies and EU regulators clash, catch up on a policy debate with consequences playing out online and in the halls of power.

Digital Policy Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Jan 14, 2026

Transatlantic cooperation on protecting minors online

By Michèle Ledger

There is widespread agreement among US and EU officials on the need to protect children online. US-EU dialogue on areas of commonality could facilitate a more efficient rollout of services and technologies to protect users.

Digital Policy European Union
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Experts

Fellow

Rza Aliyev

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Azerbaijani Central Asia

Fellow

Léonie Allard

Nonresident senior fellow

Europe Center

Africa Chinese

Fellow

Samir Altaqi

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Middle East

Fellow

Eric Alter

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic French

Fellow

Khaled H. Alyemany

Former Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic Middle East

Fellow

Wa’el Alzayat

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business
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Events

Flagship Event Thu, April 9, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

Global Prosperity Forum

The Global Prosperity Forum brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and scholars to explore actionable solutions for global development, freedom, democracy, and shared prosperity.
Entrepreneurship Freedom and Prosperity Inclusive Growth Political Reform
Public Event Thu, April 9, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

Christopher Landau on commercial diplomacy to advance US interests worldwide

AN AC FRONT PAGE EVENT—Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau discusses how commercial diplomacy can be used as a tool for advancing strategic US interests around the world.

Economy & Business National Security Politics & Diplomacy
Online Event Fri, April 10, 2026 • 9:30 am ET

The Red Sea front and Yemen’s role in the Iran war
Economy & Business Energy & Environment Iran Middle East
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