Why Finland thinks Finlandization is a bad idea for Ukraine

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
Why Finland thinks Finlandization is a bad idea for Ukraine

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 Economic Sanctions
Why Finland thinks Finlandization is a bad idea for Ukraine

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

UkraineAlert

Dec 12, 2024

Why Finland thinks Finlandization is a bad idea for Ukraine

By Minna Ålander

Some believe the Finlandization of Ukraine is the most realistic option to end Russia's invasion, but any attempt to impose neutrality would leave Ukraine in a precarious position, writes Minna Ålander.

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Dec 12, 2024

Elliot Ackerman in the Free Press on Pete Hegseth

On December 10, Elliot Ackerman, non-resident senior fellow at Forward Defense, published a piece in the Free Press entitled “Why Does Pete Hegseth Keep Talking About ‘Warfighters’?” Ackerman, a Marine veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, offers his opinions on statements made by President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth.

Defense Policy Politics & Diplomacy

UkraineAlert

Dec 12, 2024

Foreign troops help Putin avoid pitfalls of another Russian mobilization

By Katherine Spencer

Russia’s growing use of foreign troops in Ukraine is a dangerous trend that promises to prolong the war and has the potential to fuel international instability, writes Katherine Spencer.

Central Asia Conflict

MENASource

Dec 12, 2024

The benefits of Indonesia in the Abraham Accords

By Daniel J. Samet

Given Israel’s current predicaments, it’s easy to overlook its opportunities. Not least, normalization with Indonesia will redound to the advantage of all parties involved. 

Economy & Business Indo-Pacific

New Atlanticist

Dec 12, 2024

Can China’s new ambassador to Israel reset the strained relationship?

By Tuvia Gering and Ofir Dayan

Ambassador Xiao Junzheng faces the task of restoring trust between China and Israel after more than a year of bilateral tensions.

China Israel

Inflection Points Today

Dec 11, 2024

Trump’s ‘deep state’ dilemma

By Frederick Kempe

In this more perilous world, the incoming president will need to lean on the proven patriots in intelligence whom he has disparaged in the past.

Intelligence Politics & Diplomacy

Report

Dec 11, 2024

Even in authoritarian countries, democracy advocates are worth investing in

By Fernanda Buril, Nate Grubman, and Patrick Quirk

Case studies in four different regions suggest that using foreign assistance to support actors and organizations advocating for democracy worldwide is an effective strategy, even if the payoff is not immediately apparent.  

Democratic Transitions Elections

EnergySource

Dec 11, 2024

The United States needs a durable national energy strategy

By Sara Vakhshouri

The United States lacks a comprehensive, long-term energy strategy that can persist through election cycles and aligns energy security with broader national interests. Congress should address this shortfall by mandating a “National Energy Strategy” that establishes a durable energy policy framework.

Energy Markets & Governance Geopolitics & Energy Security

UkraineAlert

Dec 10, 2024

Russian victory in Ukraine would spark a new era of global insecurity

By Victor Liakh

If Vladimir Putin's Russia is allowed to claim even a limited victory in Ukraine, it will embolden other authoritarian regimes and plunge the world into a new era of insecurity, writes Victor Liakh.

Civil Society Conflict

New Atlanticist

Dec 10, 2024

In Ghana, incoming President John Mahama must follow debt restructuring with economic reform

By Rabah Arezki

The Mahama administration will need to focus on increasing transparency and the removal of corporate subsidies. But for its reform agenda to work, Ghana must receive support from the international community to expedite its debt restructuring.

Africa Economy & Business
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Experts

Staff

Torrey Taussig

Director

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Eastern Europe Europe & Eurasia

European Leadership Accelerator Participant

Ivo Walinga

China Programme Officer, International Energy Agency

Millennium Leadership Program

Central Europe Energy & Environment

Fellow

David H. Young

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Afghanistan Conflict

Fellow

Amir Hayek

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Jennifer Gavito

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Arabic French

Staff

Ryan Pan

Project Assistant

GeoTech Center

Artificial Intelligence Chinese
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Events

Online Event Tue, May 13, 2025 • 10:00 am ET

Rethinking US policy options in Afghanistan
Afghanistan Economy & Business Human Rights Politics & Diplomacy
Online Event Fri, May 16, 2025 • 10:00 am ET

Lucian Kim on “Putin’s Revenge” and Russia’s war on Ukraine
Europe & Eurasia Human Rights Politics & Diplomacy Ukraine