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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Russia will suffer decreases in every dimension of prosperity

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
Russia will suffer decreases in every dimension of prosperity

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
Russia will suffer decreases in every dimension of prosperity

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

Russia will suffer decreases in every dimension of prosperity

By Konstantin Sonin

Over fifteen years, Russia's economy stagnated with low growth and persistent inequality. Challenges include minority rights restrictions, healthcare issues, and an educational crisis due to teacher exodus.

Europe & Eurasia Freedom and Prosperity

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Regaining trust in government

By Simeon Djankov, Joseph Lemoine, Dan Negrea

Crises like COVID-19 prompt increased government control, challenging liberal values. Declining trust in governments clashes with security needs, urging policies to balance freedom and prosperity. Energy security challenges hinder net-zero goals, posing economic challenges globally, alongside privacy dilemmas amid surveillance tech in China, Russia, and the Middle East.

Civil Society Freedom and Prosperity

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Ukraine’s recovery hinges on allied support

By Yuriy Gorodnichenko

Ukraine faces challenges with its judicial system and war aftermath, including destruction, displacement, and educational setbacks. Recovery will require allied support and strategic policies.

Europe & Eurasia Freedom and Prosperity

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Stabilizing revenue will lead Kenya to greater prosperity

By Robert Mudida

Kenya aims to grow manufacturing and GDP via the African Continental Free Trade Area. Formalizing informal jobs stabilizes revenue. Expanding global value chains, especially in tourism, boosts growth. Institutional reform is key for lasting prosperity.

Africa East Africa

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Egypt grapples with political uncertainty under El-Sisi

By Rabah Arezki

Egypt faces economic challenges with heavy debt and political unrest. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's reelection may not prompt reforms, exacerbating inflation and currency devaluation. Gulf aid hinges on reforms, while militarization impedes change. Regional tensions heighten instability risks.

Conflict Elections

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

South Africa needs political change to meet economic demands

By Greg Mills

South Africa's future hinges on political changes, especially the potential shift to a coalition government in the 2024 election. Economic challenges, including rising debt, demand urgent reforms. Global alliances, notably with BRICS and China, affect trade dynamics, emphasizing the need for diversification.

Africa Elections

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Chile struggles with economic stagnation

By Andrés Velasco

Chile grapples with economic slowdown and political polarization. Growth has stalled, and trust in democratic institutions has waned as parties have multiplied. Despite failed attempts to rewrite the constitution, polarization persists, complicating Chile's political future.

Economy & Business Freedom and Prosperity

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

China must spread its wealth to reach equality

By Johanna Kao

Despite phenomenal growth in GDP, Chinese people have seen only modest gains (if any) across a range of freedom and prosperity indices. The Chinese Communist Party has failed to share the benefits of the country’s upward economic trajectory equally among its citizens.

China Civil Society

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
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Experts

Millennium fellow

Anna Van Hollen

Director, Policy Planning, Meta

Millennium Leadership Program

Internet Media

Fellow

Beth Van Schaack

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Norms

Fellow

Henri Vanhanen

Nonresident Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Artificial Intelligence English

Advisory Council member

Omar Vargas

Vice President, Head of Global Public Policy, General Motors; Chair, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Advisory Council

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Economy & Business English

Fellow

Ashutosh Varshney

Nonresident Senior Fellow, India

Nationalism Elections

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Shqipe Vela

Program Manager, Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

Millennium Leadership Program

Corruption Energy & Environment
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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
Online Event Tue, March 24, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

The future of Iran’s axis of resistance
Iran Iraq Israel Lebanon
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