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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Can Arab League states ‘get something’ for readmitting Assad?

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
Can Arab League states ‘get something’ for readmitting Assad?

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
Can Arab League states ‘get something’ for readmitting Assad?

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

May 19, 2023

Can Arab League states ‘get something’ for readmitting Assad?

By Qutaiba Idlbi

Pre-summit conversations centered around three issues: the return of refugees, countering narcotics, and the reestablishing the state authority and institutions in Syria.

Conflict Middle East

In the News

May 19, 2023

Quirk in Just Security on adapting the US strategy towards hybrid regimes

On May 17, Scowcroft Strategy Initiative Nonresident Senior Fellow Patrick Quirk co-authored a piece for Just Security on the importance of developing a US strategy towards hybrid regimes that promotes US interests whilst remaining steadfast in the US' commitments to democratic values.

Africa Americas

UkraineAlert

May 18, 2023

Ukraine’s European integration is the key to a sustainable peace

By Stephen Nix, Zachary Popovich

Ukraine's full integration into the institutions of the Western world is the only way to end the threat of ongoing Russian aggression and secure a sustainable peace in Europe, write Stephen Nix and Zachary Popovich.

Conflict European Union

In the News

May 18, 2023

Cynkin in The Wall Street Journal, Politico, and Nikkei Asia

On May 17, IPSI Nonresident Senior Fellow Tom Cynkin was featured in Nikkei Asia and Politico, both regarding the G-7 summit. In Politico, he discusses the potential for a joint statement denouncing political coercion, explaining, “The question is how far can the Europeans be nudged towards something that’s stronger, that has more teeth as a […]

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

UkraineAlert

May 18, 2023

New Bernard Henri-Lévy documentary challenges Ukraine fatigue

By Melinda Haring, Jacob Heilbrunn

For anyone seeking to make sense of Russia’s war in Ukraine, viewing French public intellectual Bernard Henri-Lévy’s new feature-length documentary “Slava Ukraini” (“Glory to Ukraine”) isn’t an option. It’s a must.

Civil Society Conflict

MENASource

May 18, 2023

How the international community can help Libya’s political deadlock, according to local civil society actors

By Ali Alaspli, Farah Ali, and Mohamed Salem

In this piece, three Libyan civil society representatives give their take on the international community’s role in Libya.

Human Rights Libya

New Atlanticist

May 17, 2023

Ecuador’s president just invoked ‘mutual death’ to avoid impeachment. Here’s why it matters.

By Atlantic Council experts

President Guillermo Lasso of Ecuador has used a rare constitutional mechanism to dissolve the National Assembly. Atlantic Council experts share their insights on what it means and what comes next.

Americas Elections

New Atlanticist

May 16, 2023

Chile’s right is in the driver’s seat for creating a new constitution. Can it succeed?

By Ignacia Ulloa Peters

Chileans just elected members to the council meeting soon to deliberate about a new constitution. Two-thirds of the seats went to center-right and far-right candidates, who now need to agree on a constitution Chileans will vote on in December.

Americas Elections

IranSource

May 16, 2023

The Arab League thinks readmitting Syria will push out Iran. They’re wrong.

By David Daoud

The logic of drawing Bashar al-Assad back into the Arab League is unsound, founded on the faulty premise that there remains such a thing as an independent Syrian regime to woo back from Tehran.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

May 16, 2023

Syrian refugees fear normalization with Assad. Because it means they will have to return—and not by choice.

By Arwa Damon

Syrian refugees fear that “normalization” of ties will boost the narrative that “Syria is safe now,” giving further justification to rid Syrian refugee populations.

Human Rights Lebanon
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Experts

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Rudina Hajdari

Former Member of Parliament, Republic of Albania

Millennium Leadership Program

Human Rights Political Reform

Fellow

Hameed Hakimi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

South Asia Center

Migration Security & Defense

Fellow

Adel Hamaizia

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcfroft Middle East Security Initiative

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

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

European Leadership Accelerator Participant

Osman Haneef

Head of LBS Startup Incubator & Senior Manager of Ventures, London Business School

Millennium Leadership Program

Entrepreneurship Rule of Law

Millennium fellow

Steven Bernardus Harageib

Technical Director, Office of the President of Namibia

Millennium Leadership Program

Human Rights Politics & Diplomacy

Fellow

Katie Harbath

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Digital Policy Elections
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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
Flagship Event Thu, April 9, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

Global Prosperity Forum

The Global Prosperity Forum brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and scholars to explore actionable solutions for global development, freedom, democracy, and shared prosperity.
Entrepreneurship Freedom and Prosperity Inclusive Growth Political Reform
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