Less freedom, weaker states, more conflict: can that cycle be broken?

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
Less freedom, weaker states, more conflict: can that cycle be broken?

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 Economic Sanctions
Less freedom, weaker states, more conflict: can that cycle be broken?

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

Issue Brief

Sep 19, 2023

Less freedom, weaker states, more conflict: can that cycle be broken?

By Patrick W. Quirk and Owen L. Myers

Why and how advancing freedom (political, economic, and judicial components) is the surest way to advance sustainable stability and associated prosperity.

Democratic Transitions Freedom and Prosperity

Global China

Sep 18, 2023

Global China Newsletter: Xi stiffs the G20, turns to the Global South

By Dexter Tiff Roberts

The September 2023 edition of the Global China newsletter.

China Economy & Business

In the News

Sep 18, 2023

Husain in the National Interest: The Abraham Accords three years on

By Atlantic Council

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Sep 18, 2023

EVENT RECAP: New power dynamics in the MENA region after the Ukraine war

By Diane Mohamed

the Atlantic Council’s North Africa Program in partnership with the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) hosted a hybrid event, “New Power Dynamics in the MENA Region after the Ukraine Crisis.” The event featured an array of expert panelists who shed light on regional tensions, cooperation patterns in the eastern Mediterranean, and North Africa's role in regional and international power competition.

North & West Africa Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Sep 18, 2023

N7 Initiative mentioned in The New Arab on the anniversary of the Abraham Accords and the addition of Saudi Arabia

By Atlantic Council

Israel Middle East

In the News

Sep 18, 2023

N7 Initiative mentioned in The Jewish News Syndicate on the successes of the Abraham Accords and the prospects for future cooperation in the region

By Atlantic Council

Israel Middle East

The Freedom and Prosperity Equation

Sep 18, 2023

Mexico “Mostly Free”? Mexico “Mostly Prosperous”?: Uncovering shades of gray in the Freedom and Prosperity Indexes

By Vanessa Rubio-Marquez

Freedom and prosperity are fragile ideals that depend on many factors that must be protected and consistently adjusted. Particular attention must be paid to countries where warning signs of decline are present.

Democratic Transitions Freedom and Prosperity

The Freedom and Prosperity Equation

Sep 18, 2023

Freedom and prosperity in Eastern Europe

By Dan Negrea, Joseph Lemoine, Yomna Gaafar

Eastern European countries that experienced more political, economic, and legal freedoms enjoy greater prosperity today. Conversely, those which progressed less on the path of freedom are also less prosperous.

Democratic Transitions Eastern Europe

The Freedom and Prosperity Equation

Sep 18, 2023

Introduction: The continuing debate about freedom and prosperity

By Dan Negrea, Brad Lips, Kris Mauren

Freedom and prosperity are strongly correlated, and freedom is necessary for sustained economic growth. Some authoritarian regimes have enjoyed some economic success, but the Chinese development model does not provide a sustainable path to prosperity and comes at the expense of human rights and individual freedoms.

Democratic Transitions Economy & Business

The Freedom and Prosperity Equation

Sep 18, 2023

How prepared are conflicting world orders for the next wave of technological innovation?

By Julio Amador Diaz Lopez

Protecting rule of law, free markets, and diversity of people and ideas remain essential to harnessing new technologies—the key to prosperity in our time.

Entrepreneurship Freedom and Prosperity
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Experts

Millennium fellow

Lisa Gittos

International Climate and Multilateral Advisor

Millennium Leadership Program

Australia Energy & Environment

Millennium fellow

Kurt Davis

Senior Director, Alvarez and Marsal

Millennium Leadership Program

Africa Economy & Business

Millennium fellow

Jorge Rodriguez Vives

Minister of Information, Government of Costa Rica

Millennium Leadership Program

Civil Society Entrepreneurship

Millennium fellow

Jeanette Quick

Deputy Assistant Secretary, United States Department of Treasury

Millennium Leadership Program

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Millennium fellow

Jasneet Hora

Deputy Director of Speechwriting, Office of the Vice President, The White House

Millennium Leadership Program

Economy & Business Entrepreneurship

Millennium fellow

David Bargueño

Climate Attaché, US Embassy Brazil, United States Department of State

Millennium Leadership Program

Americas Energy & Environment
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Events

Online Event Tue, May 6, 2025 • 10:00 am ET

What to expect from Germany’s next government
Elections Europe & Eurasia European Union Germany
Public Event Wed, May 7, 2025 • 10:00 am ET

Taking stock: Bilateral ties after 100 days of the Trump administration
Economy & Business International Markets Latin America Mexico
Online Event Tue, May 13, 2025 • 10:00 am ET

Rethinking US policy options in Afghanistan
Afghanistan Economy & Business Human Rights Politics & Diplomacy
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