Politics & Diplomacy

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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Europe should take the long bet on the US and the transatlantic security relationship

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
Europe should take the long bet on the US and the transatlantic security relationship

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
Europe should take the long bet on the US and the transatlantic security relationship

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

Dispatches

Jul 2, 2026

Europe should take the long bet on the US and the transatlantic security relationship

By Ian Brzezinski, Philippe Dickinson

In Ankara, European leaders must seize the opportunity to reinforce the long-term foundations of the Alliance.

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

Dispatches

Jul 2, 2026

Civilian infrastructure is now a strategic target. NATO must adapt to protect it.

Allies must preserve the ability to move, reinforce, sustain, communicate, mobilize, and, if necessary, fight under conditions of disruption.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Issue Brief

Jul 2, 2026

From burden sharing to strategic delivery: NATO and Turkey’s priorities ahead of the Ankara summit

By Pınar Dost

As allies gather in Ankara, Turkey's rising influence, US retrenchment, and uneven burden sharing will test whether NATO can convert pledges into action.

Defense Policy European Union

MENASource

Jul 1, 2026

Libya doesn’t need another elite bargain

By Karim Mezran

The US blessing of a power-sharing arrangement for Libya preserves a fragile stability today while increasing the risk of a much larger crisis tomorrow.

Libya Political Reform

Dispatches

Jul 1, 2026

How America’s founding inspires its strategy in the world

By Daniel Fried

This July 4th, the United States should rededicate itself to its founding principles and to a strategy in the world that seeks to advance those principles.

Politics & Diplomacy United States and Canada

Dispatches

Jul 1, 2026

Europe and the Gulf have untapped strengths to counter great-power chaos

By Alex Elnagdy

The two regions should work together to increase their strategic autonomy through infrastructure projects, free trade agreements, and scalable defense deals.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Jul 1, 2026

Charai in The National Interest: Why the Spanish Monarchy Still Matters to the US

By Atlantic Council

Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy

AfricaSource

Jul 1, 2026

At 250 years old, the US must continue to refine the message it sends abroad—including to Africa

By Deneyse A. Kirkpatrick

US influence depends on more than military power, aid budgets, or diplomatic statements. It depends on the credibility of its democracy.

Politics & Diplomacy Resilience & Society

Report

Jul 1, 2026

Alliance evolving: The Ankara summit and NATO readiness

By Atlantic Council Turkey Program

As allies gather in Ankara for the 2026 NATO Summit, the seventh issue of the Defense Journal examines the issues at the forefront of the allied agenda.

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

Report

Jul 1, 2026

US-Turkish relations: Impact on NATO and the Middle East

By Rich Outzen

As Europe warms to Turkey and US influence shifts, the US–Turkey relationship has become crucial to shaping NATO's strength and Middle East security.

Europe & Eurasia Middle East
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Experts

Fellow

Nic Adams

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Energy & Environment Middle East

Fellow

Paul Adamson

Senior Advisor

Europe Center

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Akeel Abbas

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Human Rights

Millennium fellow

Saeed Al Nazari

Secretary General, Great Arab Minds

Millennium Leadership Program

Education Middle East

Fellow

Osamah Al Rawhani

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Middle East Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Fellow

Safwan Al-Amin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English
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Events

Public Event Tue, July 14, 2026 • 3:00 pm ET

Colombia’s government transition and the priorities ahead
Colombia Economy & Business Latin America Politics & Diplomacy
Public Event Wed, July 15, 2026 • 1:30 pm ET

2026 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes launch
Corruption Freedom and Prosperity Inclusive Growth Rule of Law