Strategies for reforming Afghanistan’s illicit networks

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
Strategies for reforming Afghanistan’s illicit networks

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
Strategies for reforming Afghanistan’s illicit networks

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

Illicit Networks-Zaranj

In-Depth Research & Reports

Jul 15, 2020

Strategies for reforming Afghanistan’s illicit networks

By Harris Samad and Fatima Salman

Authored in-house and advised upon by senior fellows Ambassador James B. Cunningham, Ambassador Omar Samad, Marika Theros, Javid Ahmad, and Fatemeh Aman, this report explores illicit networks in Afghanistan in the context of peacebuilding, democratic consolidation, and enhancing state capacity. It concludes by outlining several specific policy recommendations that will be necessary to combat the illicit networks in a manner that supports the durability of the ongoing peace process in Afghanistan and the continued consolidation of its fragile democratic institutions.

Afghanistan Arms Control

IranSource

Jul 15, 2020

No, Iran isn’t going to be a Chinese client state

By Brendon Hong

The characterization is not unique to Iran’s case.

China Iran

MENASource

Jul 15, 2020

Iran isn’t the only Middle Eastern country in a unique partnership with China

By Jonathan Fulton

China has deeply entrenched interests across the region and mature relationships with many relevant Arab countries, most of which do not look favorably upon Iran.

China Middle East

Past events

Jul 14, 2020

US-Mexico ties: A post-official working visit readout

By Cecilia Godoy

On June 9, 2020, the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center hosted a timely conversation on President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s visit to Washington, DC—the president’s first international trip as head of state. Experiencing economic contraction and public health crises due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both presidents highlighted the bonds that unite their countries […]

Americas Economy & Business

In the News

Jul 14, 2020

Allen and Rodriquez in Foreign Policy: The US government needs to regulate social media

By Stephen Rodriguez

Army intelligence officer T.S. Allen and Scowcroft Center Senior Advisor Stephen Rodriguez argue that Washington has a unique responsibility to protect social media and prevent election interference.

Cybersecurity Disinformation

In the News

Jul 14, 2020

Kroenig quoted on Russia-China relationship in Newsweek

By Atlantic Council

On July 14, Newsweek quoted Matthew Kroenig in an article about the current state and possible trajectory of the Russia-China relationship. Kroenig commented that Russia and China have become “increasingly strategically aligned” and “have a shared threat perception as they both worry about the power of the U.S. and its democratic allies.” He noted, however, […]

China Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Jul 14, 2020

US and Israel shift from sanctions to alleged sabotage against Iran

By Sina Azodi and Mohsen Solhdoost

While the attacks have been embarrassing to Iran and exposed the shortcomings of its intelligence and security apparatuses, they could also backfire, adding support to those who argue that Iran should withdraw completely from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or even the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jul 14, 2020

After the coronavirus and low oil prices, Oman’s future is more global

By Phillip Cornell

With the onset of COVID-19 and an economic crisis that is bound to accelerate history, Oman’s commitment to steady progress and political neutrality will face new tests and leverage the country’s wider global relationships.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jul 14, 2020

What lies ahead as Jordan faces the fallout of COVID-19

By Emily Santucci

What makes Amman’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic unique lies less in the specific measures imposed, but more so in the swift and aggressive fashion by which they were carried out.

Coronavirus Middle East

In the News

Jul 13, 2020

Roberts on the myth of the Chinese middle class and the rural-urban divide in China

By Atlantic Council

Dexter Tiff Roberts, nonresident senior fellow at the Asia Security Initiative and a veteran China journalist, was interviewed on his book The Myth of Chinese Capitalism: The Worker, the Factory, and the Future of the World by CityMetric, a sister publication of the British magazine the New Statesman. The discussion centers on one of the […]

China Democratic Transitions
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Experts

Staff

Alexander Young

Project Assistant

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Europe & Eurasia

European Leadership Accelerator Participant

Helene-Terese Jürgenson

E-Construction Services Project Manager, Estonian Ministry of Climate

Millennium Leadership Program

Energy & Environment Northern Europe

Fellow

Eric V. Guichard

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Corruption

Advisory Council member

Clifford Sobel

Former United States Ambassador to Brazil

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Brazil Economy & Business

Staff

Uliana Certan

Program Assistant, European Engagement

Global Energy Center

Democratic Transitions Energy & Environment

Millennium fellow

Cristián Stewart Claro

Executive Director, IdeaPaís

Millennium Leadership Program

Civil Society Education
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