Saudi Arabia’s economic shifts under MBS raise stability concerns

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
Saudi Arabia’s economic shifts under MBS raise stability concerns

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
Saudi Arabia’s economic shifts under MBS raise stability concerns

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

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Saudi Arabia’s economic shifts under MBS raise stability concerns

By Rabah Arezki

Saudi Arabia's economic transformation under MBS maintains political control, risking instability amid regional conflicts. Reliance on public funds for investments may falter as the world shifts from fossil fuels, and demands for political freedom grow.

Economy & Business
Freedom and Prosperity

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Mexico’s vital institutions face decline

By Vanessa Rubio-Márquez

Mexico's institutions are vital for freedoms, but face decline. To advance, it needs strong governance, growth, and redistribution. Despite potential growth from favorable conditions, risks persist. Strengthening governance and productivity is crucial for prosperity.

Economy & Business
Freedom and Prosperity

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Rising US public debt threatens economic freedom

By Edward Glaeser

US public debt has surged, posing risks to economic freedom. Despite stability expectations, reforms are needed, like deregulating small businesses and improving urban schools. However, political polarization and the dominance of identity politics hinder progress towards these goals.

Economy & Business
Education

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

India’s political freedom is at risk

By Pratap Bhanu Mehta

Political freedom in India is declining, with potential for further erosion if the current government remains. Economic prospects are cautiously optimistic, but regional disparities persist, posing challenges to democracy. India's federal structure may both check centralization and fuel political conflict.

Fiscal and Structural Reform
Freedom and Prosperity

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Pakistan faces urgent need for comprehensive reforms to spur long-term growth and stability

By Ali Cheema

Pakistan needs extensive economic and institutional reforms to boost long-term growth and prosperity. These reforms involve improving property rights, increasing public investment in education and health, and addressing political polarization. A new political settlement is necessary to foster stability and enable these reforms.

Freedom and Prosperity
Inclusive Growth

In the News

Feb 25, 2024

Marc Polymeropoulos cited in the New York Post on Russian election interference

Marc Polymeropoulos comments on the Smirnov indictment, Russian interference, and 2020 US presidential election.

Elections
United States and Canada

New Atlanticist

Feb 23, 2024

Inside the United States’ plan to compete with China in the Global South

By Katherine Golden

China "is advancing an alternative vision for global governance," Daniel J. Kritenbrink, US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs warned.

China
Freedom and Prosperity

New Atlanticist

Feb 23, 2024

Russia’s blocked assets: A ‘non-collateral collateral’ plan could be the way forward

By Charles Lichfield

Instead of seizing Russia’s immobilized sovereign assets outright, G7 members seem instead to be aligning around “unlocking their value.”

Conflict
Economy & Business

Atlantic Debrief

Feb 23, 2024

#AtlanticDebrief – What are the key trends in the European elections? | A Debrief from Fabian Zuleeg

Jörn Fleck sits down with Chief Executive of the European Policy Centre Fabian Zuleeg to discuss the upcoming European elections and implications for Europe and transatlantic relations.

European Union
Politics & Diplomacy

UkraineAlert

Feb 23, 2024

Making Russia pay for the invasion of Ukraine

By Paul Grod

Using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's resistance and recovery is morally justified and would also ease the financial burden on Western economies, writes Paul Grod.

Conflict
Economy & Business
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Experts

Fellow

Marino Auffant

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Staff

Elise Baker

Senior Staff Lawyer, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society Extremism

Staff

Nitansha Bansal

Associate Director

Cyber Statecraft Initiative

Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity

Advisory Council member

Martha Bárcena

Former Ambassador of Mexico to the United States

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Climate Change & Climate Action Economy & Business

Fellow

Tyson Barker

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Cybersecurity Digital Policy

Staff

Nibras Basitkey

Associate Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business
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Events

Public Event Wed, January 28, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

Taiwan’s critical role in global supply chains and the future of US-Taiwan ties
Economy & Business Energy & Environment Indo-Pacific Politics & Diplomacy
Flagship Event Mon, February 2, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

Central Europe Week 2026: Facing a new strategic reality

A week of conversations highlighting Central Europe’s role in the transatlantic community.
Central Europe Eastern Europe Europe & Eurasia European Union
Public Event Tue, February 3, 2026 • 12:30 pm ET

Tibetan democracy (in exile): Religious freedom and political empowerment
Central Asia China Freedom and Prosperity Human Rights
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