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.

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

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

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

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

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

Report

Jul 1, 2026

Q&A with Senator Jeanne Shaheen

By Atlantic Council Turkey Program

Ranking Senator Shaheen on NATO's value, Turkey's role in the Alliance, and why political division is the greatest threat to Western security.

Conflict Defense Policy

Report

Jul 1, 2026

Q&A with Lieutenant General Max A. L. T. Nielsen, commandant of the NATO Defense College

By Atlantic Council Turkey Program

An interview covering resilience, deterrence, airpower, and preparation for an era of multi-domain competition.

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Jul 1, 2026

Warrick for the The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Gaza’s Fate Hangs in the Balance in a Crucial Three-Day Meeting in Cyprus

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Issue Brief

Jun 30, 2026

Looking to a decade of delivery: The Three Seas Initiative charts its course forward

By Emma Nix and Ian Brzezinski

The Three Seas Initiative aims to bolster investment in cross-border energy, digital, and transport infrastructure to fuel regional prosperity and security.

Central Europe Economy & Business

Dispatches

Jun 30, 2026

What’s at stake in the USMCA review is a stronger, safer, and more prosperous North America

By Antonio Ortiz-Mena

As US, Canadian, and Mexican officials meet to review the trilateral trade pact, more is on the line than simply tariff rates and rules of origin.

Economy & Business Mexico

Balkans Debrief

Jun 29, 2026

How can gradual EU integration work in the Balkans? A Debrief with Odeta Barbullushi & Adi Cerimagic

Europe Center Resident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare sits down with Adi Cerimagic of the European Stability Initiative and Odeta Barbullushi from the College of Europe to discuss the new Franco-German non-paper on gradual EU accession for the Western Balkans.

Europe & Eurasia European Union

Inflection Points

Jun 26, 2026

Secretary General Mark Rutte on Trump, Europe, and the future of NATO

By Frederick Kempe

Atlantic Council President and CEO Frederick Kempe sits down with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Washington.

Europe & Eurasia NATO
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Experts

Fellow

Marino Auffant

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Active affiliation

Olena Babakova

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Central Europe Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Jieun Baek

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Democratic Transitions Human Rights

Staff

Kiran Baez

Program Assistant

Atlantic Council Turkey Program

Central Asia Geopolitics & Energy Security

Staff

Elise Baker

Senior Staff Lawyer, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society Extremism

Fellow

James E. Baker

Distinguished Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Artificial Intelligence Europe & Eurasia
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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 FPC indexes launch
Corruption Freedom and Prosperity Inclusive Growth Rule of Law