Putin and Lukashenka are locked in a dysfunctional axis of autocrats

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
Putin and Lukashenka are locked in a dysfunctional axis of autocrats

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
Putin and Lukashenka are locked in a dysfunctional axis of autocrats

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

BelarusAlert

Jul 14, 2021

Putin and Lukashenka are locked in a dysfunctional axis of autocrats

By Brian Whitmore

Vladimir Putin and Alyaksandr Lukashenka are bound together in an axis of autocrats but the two dictators are also locked in a game of cat and mouse over Kremlin efforts to expand Russian influence in Belarus.

Belarus Economic Sanctions

In the News

Jul 14, 2021

Nooruddin in the Washington Post: Nationalists in Christianity’s clothing

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society Nationalism

In the News

Jul 14, 2021

Friedlander quoted in Wall Street Journal on the US-Germany relationship

By Julia Friedlander

Read the whole article here.

Economy & Business Eurozone

New Atlanticist

Jul 13, 2021

Rallying the world’s democracies with ‘trusted connectivity’

By Kaush Arha

As a framework for investments in global infrastructure by democratic nations, the concept of ‘trusted connectivity’ can serve as a counterweight to efforts like China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Economy & Business European Union

In the News

Jul 13, 2021

Okonjo-Iweala’s comments on WTO fisheries negotiations analyzed in POLITICO

By GeoEconomics Center

Read the whole article here.

Economy & Business International Markets

In the News

Jul 13, 2021

Okonjo-Iweala’s remarks on vaccine distribution analyzed in Financial Times

By GeoEconomics Center

Read the whole article here.

Coronavirus Economy & Business

MENASource

Jul 13, 2021

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon: What does its closure mean for Lebanon?

By Nicholas Blanford, David Daoud, Gissou Nia, Reem Salahi

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) is set to cease operations at the end of July due to lack of funds as Beirut sinks deeper into economic and political crisis. Atlantic Council experts react to what the closure means for Lebanon.

Lebanon Middle East

UkraineAlert

Jul 13, 2021

Ukraine’s Security Service reform plans under threat

By Olena Scherban and Olena Halushka

Ukrainian MPs will vote on reform of the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) later this week, but serious questions remain over the effectiveness of the draft law in its current form.

Corruption Democratic Transitions

In the News

Jul 12, 2021

Preble in Politifact: U.S. continues its military drawdown in Afghanistan

By Atlantic Council

On July 12, Christopher Preble was quoted in a Politifact article examining President Biden’s promises to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan. “The American people’s continued support for withdrawal, including a number of veterans groups, appears to have had much more of an impact than the worsening security situation inside of Afghanistan. Most Americans recognized some […]

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Inflection Points

Jul 11, 2021

Lessons from the Didi IPO ride: Xi faces a tradeoff between economic dynamism and authoritarian grip

By Frederick Kempe

This was a clarifying week for global investors—or for anyone concerned about authoritarian capitalism—of just how much the Chinese Communist Party would be willing to pay to ensure its dominance. The answer represents an immeasurable loss of economic dynamism.

China Economy & Business
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Experts

Fellow

Kayla T. Orta

Nonresident Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Arms Control East Asia

Fellow

Amir Asmar

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Intelligence Israel

Fellow

William B. Taylor

Distinguished Fellow

Eurasia Center

English Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Geoffrey Pyatt

Distinguished Fellow

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Dan Rothem

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Conflict Hebrew

Staff

Emily E. Kim

Project Assistant

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Korea Security & Defense
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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
Public Event Fri, May 16, 2025 • 9:00 am ET

Critical minerals and the pathways to prosperity, peace, and security in the DRC
Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo Economy & Business 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