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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It’s Swe-done: What’s next for NATO now that Hungary has approved Sweden’s bid to join

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
It’s Swe-done: What’s next for NATO now that Hungary has approved Sweden’s bid to join

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
It’s Swe-done: What’s next for NATO now that Hungary has approved Sweden’s bid to join

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

New Atlanticist

Feb 26, 2024

It’s Swe-done: What’s next for NATO now that Hungary has approved Sweden’s bid to join

By Atlantic Council experts

Hungary’s parliament has ratified Sweden’s accession to NATO, the final approval needed. Atlantic Council experts share their insights on the about-to-be thirty-two member Alliance.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

MENASource

Feb 26, 2024

I’m a Yemeni minister and I believe the Houthi designation is not enough

By Moammar Al-Eryani

The Biden administration’s decision to revoke the Houthi terrorist designation contributed to the complexity of the Yemeni crisis. To avoid replicating the same scenario, a new approach must be taken to counter the Houthis.

Conflict Israel

New Atlanticist

Feb 26, 2024

The EU needs a more comprehensive plan to aid Ukraine

By Michael John Williams

Brussels has an important role to play in terms of pan-European defense procurement, military training, and economic recovery in Ukraine.

Conflict Defense Policy

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

Economic reform is crucial for growth in Brazil

By José A. Scheinkman

Brazil's economic prospects are hindered by high taxes, inefficient regulations, and security concerns, particularly in drug trafficking routes. Reform efforts, including tax and fiscal reforms, along with leveraging Brazil's strengths like clean energy, are crucial for growth and education opportunities.

Brazil Economy & Business

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

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

China’s authoritarian trend meets resistance in East Asia and the Pacific

By Kelley E. Currie

China's influence shapes political and economic dynamics in East Asia and the Pacific. Despite resistance, its practices hinder freedom across the region. Youth movements demand responsive systems. Weak institutions and challenges like inequality persist, requiring diversified economic strategies and strengthened democracies to navigate regional complexities.

China Democratic Transitions

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

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Sub-Saharan Africa grapples with development imperatives

By William Easterly

Sub-Saharan Africa confronts urgent development challenges, including the imperative for democratization and institution building, amid critical security concerns. With declining foreign support and China's Belt and Road Initiative rising, worries arise over debt and politicized financing. Despite potential through regional integration, diverse political interests and institutional weaknesses remain obstacles.

Africa Democratic Transitions
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Experts

Fellow

Amanda J. Rothschild

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Iran

Advisory Council member

Ed Royce

Former Chairman, US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Economy & Business Latin America

Advisory Council member

Vanessa Rubio-Márquez

Member, Freedom and Prosperity Center Advisory Council

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Caribbean Latin America

Millennium fellow

Madeline Ryan

Policy Analyst, US Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Millennium Leadership Program

Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy

Millennium fellow

Daniel Rzasa

News Lab Lead, CEE, Google

Millennium Leadership Program

Civil Society Eastern Europe

Staff

Valentina Sader

Director, Strategy and Programs

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Brazil Corruption
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Events

Public Event Fri, March 20, 2026 • 2:00 pm ET

The fight for influence in Venezuela against Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba
Americas Latin America Politics & Diplomacy Venezuela
Public Event Mon, March 23, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

Kurt Campbell on what to expect from Trump’s Beijing visit
China Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy Technology & Innovation
Public Event Thu, March 26, 2026 • 2:30 pm ET

Gina McCarthy and the European Commission’s Teresa Ribera on climate cooperation
Climate Change & Climate Action Politics & Diplomacy
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