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

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

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

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

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

Freedom, prosperity, and human development in Egypt: Why does freedom matter?

By Mohamed M. Farid

Egypt's development over the last 15 years has been limited by heavy-handed government intervention and poorly thought-out public spending. To go forward, Egypt must reduce the role of the state in the economy, implement free-market reforms, and focus public investments on human capital.

Economy & Business Freedom and Prosperity

The Freedom and Prosperity Equation

Sep 18, 2023

The quest for freedom and prosperity in the Middle East and North Africa

By Khémaies Jhinaoui

Following the Arab Spring, the lack of realism and inexperience of ruling regimes hindered progress. Three key lessons: the quest for freedom does not have to be radical; gradual reform is more effective, and foreign influence shapes the struggle for regional freedom and prosperity.

Democratic Transitions Freedom and Prosperity

The Freedom and Prosperity Equation

Sep 18, 2023

Violence against journalists: A tool to restrict press freedom in Mexico

By Sergio M. Alcocer and Jeziret S. González

Violence against human rights defenders and journalists is a long-term struggle for Mexico and happens every day with almost total impunity. Without freedom of the press, prosperity cannot be fully achieved.

Freedom and Prosperity Human Rights

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

Dimensions of freedom and economic performance

By Ignacio Campomanes

Democracy can be strengthened significantly if we can rigorously show that free societies are also superior to autocracies in producing higher overall prosperity. Defining the attributes of liberal democracies is essential to understand the relationship between freedom and prosperity.

Freedom and Prosperity Macroeconomics
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Experts

Fellow

Diane Francis

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Ukraine

Fellow

Daniel Fried

Weiser Family Distinguished Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative Eurasia Center

Eastern Europe Democratic Transitions

Staff

Uri Friedman

Senior Editorial Director

Coronavirus Democratic Transitions

Fellow

Akiko Fukushima

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Policy East Asia

Fellow

Jonathan Fulton

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

China Chinese

Fellow

Yevgeniya Gaber

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Atlantic Council Turkey Program

Eastern Europe English
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Events

Online Event Mon, March 16, 2026 • 10:30 am ET

What role should Europe play in the Middle East?
Conflict Europe & Eurasia European Union Middle East
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
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