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
The Gulf that emerges from the Iran war will be very different

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
The Gulf that emerges from the Iran war will be very different

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
The Gulf that emerges from the Iran war will be very different

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

Mar 2, 2026

The Gulf that emerges from the Iran war will be very different

By Allison Minor

Iran’s decision to target the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and other countries in the Gulf will have far-reaching consequences.

Conflict Iran

UkraineAlert

Mar 2, 2026

Europe must not seek Putin’s approval before sending troops to Ukraine

By Stephen Blank

European leaders representing Coalition of the Willing countries reportedly reject the idea of sending troops to Ukraine without first securing Russian President Vladimir Putin's approval, writes Stephen Blank.

Conflict European Union

Dispatches

Mar 2, 2026

Decapitation strikes are not enough to take on Mexico’s cartels. Here’s what else the US should do.

By Charlotte Bertrand

Strikes on cartels should be combined with greater efforts to disrupt supply and reduce substance use disorder in the United States.

Latin America Mexico

Dispatches

Mar 2, 2026

Willkommen to Germany’s ‘super election year.’ Here’s what to expect.

By Phyllis Berry

A series of state elections between March and September could see gains by the far-right Alternative for Germany, further challenging Germany’s centrist parties.

Elections Germany

In the News

Mar 2, 2026

Yade in Le Quotidien on think tanks and Africa’s diplomatic influence

By Atlantic Council

On March 2, Ambassador Rama Yade, senior director of the Africa Center published an article in Le Quotidien on the role of think tanks in global diplomacy. She writes that stronger African think tanks could help the continent generate policy expertise, shape international debates, and increase its influence on the world stage. More about our […]

Africa Politics & Diplomacy

Dispatches

Mar 1, 2026

Experts react: How the US war with Iran is playing out around the Middle East

By Atlantic Council experts

What happens in Iran doesn’t stay in Iran. The consequences of the US-Israeli military campaign launched on Saturday will radiate across the region and the world.

Conflict Israel

Dispatches

Mar 1, 2026

Don’t worry about the Iran conflict’s impact on oil prices—yet

By Landon Derentz

Markets can tolerate a spike. What they cannot tolerate is prolonged uncertainty over trade flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

Conflict Energy & Environment

In the News

Mar 1, 2026

Charai in The National Interest: How the US Can Sustain Deterrence After Khamenei

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Mar 1, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Post: After the strikes: Planning for Iran’s ‘day after’

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions Iran

Dispatches

Feb 28, 2026

Experts react: The US and Israel just unleashed a major attack on Iran. What’s next?

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts assess the unfolding Operation Epic Fury and where it goes from here.

Conflict Iran
Load More

Experts

Millennium fellow

Connor James

Vice President, Laurel Strategies

Millennium Leadership Program

Civil Society Economy & Business

Staff

Daniah Jarrah

Program Assistant

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Brendan Johannsen

Managing Director, Teneo

Millennium Leadership Program

Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy

Staff

Stuart Jones

Program Assistant

Europe Center

Europe & Eurasia European Union

Fellow

Marie Jourdain

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Africa English

European Leadership Accelerator Participant

Helene-Terese Jürgenson

E-Construction Services Project Manager, Estonian Ministry of Climate

Millennium Leadership Program

Energy & Environment Northern Europe
Load More

Events

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
Online Event Tue, March 24, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

The future of Iran’s axis of resistance
Iran Iraq Israel Lebanon
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
Load More