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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<img decoding="async" src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-03-18T104839Z_243668748_RC2MFDAYGWT2_RTRMADP_3_ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-GAZA-500x350.jpg" alt="An Iran opposition coalition was long overdue. It’s an important step forward on the rocky road to change. ” class=”gta-horizontal-featured–img” />

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
<img decoding="async" src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-03-14T170847Z_846619851_RC25DDARF2EA_RTRMADP_3_UKRAINE-CRISIS-PUTIN-KURSK-500x350.jpg" alt="An Iran opposition coalition was long overdue. It’s an important step forward on the rocky road to change. ” class=”gta-horizontal-featured–img” />

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
<img decoding="async" src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2022-11-15T064654Z_760103484_RC24MX9ZW9LP_RTRMADP_3_G20-SUMMIT-1-scaled-e1741652706174-500x350.jpg" alt="An Iran opposition coalition was long overdue. It’s an important step forward on the rocky road to change. ” class=”gta-horizontal-featured–img” />

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

IranSource

Jan 5, 2023

<strong>An Iran opposition coalition was long overdue. It’s an important step forward on the rocky road to change. </strong>

By Ali Fathollah-Nejad

Such a coalition is an important step forward to grant the millions-strong Iranian diaspora a unified and, thus, more effective voice to push the international community.

Democratic Transitions Iran

MENASource

Jan 4, 2023

<strong>Jordanians are protesting again. It’s time for economic and administrative reforms.</strong>

By Laith Alajlouni

Without tackling the root causes of Jordan's issues, the country will only delay the crisis and it will snowball into something larger in the future.

Economy & Business Elections

UkraineAlert

Jan 4, 2023

Ukraine’s growing veteran community will shape the country’s future

By Aleksander Cwalina, Benton Coblentz

Ukraine's rapidly expanding veteran community can make a major contribution to the country's post-war future but will require a range of support measures in order to reintegrate into civilian life successfully.

Civil Society Conflict

In the News

Jan 4, 2023

Svetlova in the Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich: Israel’s Power Couple

By Atlantic Council

International Norms Israel

In the News

Jan 4, 2023

Svetlova quoted by NPR on Ben-Gvir’s visit to Jerusalem

By Atlantic Council

International Norms Israel

UkraineAlert

Jan 3, 2023

Putin is preparing for a long war

By Alexander Motyl

Vladimir Putin used his traditional New Year address on December 31 to mobilize the Russian public for a long war in Ukraine while warning that the West is intent on "destroying Russia," writes Alexander Motyl.

Conflict Disinformation

In the News

Jan 3, 2023

Lipner interviewed by Formiche on PM Netanyahu’s promise to expand Abraham Accords

By Atlantic Council

Israel Italian

UkraineAlert

Jan 2, 2023

Digitalization and transparency are vital for Ukraine’s reconstruction

By Oleksandra Azarkhina

Ukraine's reconstruction will depend on digitalization and the recruitment of motivated personnel from the military, writes Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories, and Infrastructure Development Oleksandra Azarkhina.

Civil Society Conflict

In the News

Dec 30, 2022

Shapiro quoted in Reuters on PM Netanyahu’s new government

By Atlantic Council

Israel Middle East

In the News

Dec 30, 2022

Shapiro quoted in New York Times on Israeli-U.S. Relations

By Atlantic Council

International Norms Israel
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Experts

Millennium fellow

Mor Yahalom

Senior Advisor, Ministry of Defense, Israel

Millennium Leadership Program

Civil Society Middle East

Staff

Alyssa T. Yamamoto

Senior Legal & Policy Advisor, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society Human Rights

Millennium fellow

Tricia Yeoh

CEO, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS)

Millennium Leadership Program

Civil Society Indo-Pacific

Fellow

David H. Young

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Afghanistan Conflict

Active affiliation

Joseph Zacks

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Middle East National Security

Fellow

Miroslav M. Zafirov

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

English International Organizations
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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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