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UkraineAlert

Aug 14, 2025

Alaska Summit: Trump wants a real estate deal. Putin wants an empire.

By Peter Dickinson

US President Donald Trump appears to view peace negotiations with Vladimir Putin as a geopolitical real estate deal. But the Russian dictator is not fighting for land in Ukraine. He is fighting for Ukraine itself, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Democratic Transitions
Empty hospital beds line the ward of the emergency unit at the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, during a nurses' strike protesting poor government support.

AfricaSource

Aug 14, 2025

Biased credit ratings are costing Africa billions—and worsening its health crises

By Maggie Mutesi

As debt payments outpace spending on health and education, African leaders are renewing calls to overhaul a credit ratings system they say punishes reform and deepens fragility. Zambia is a case in point.

Africa Civil Society

Inside the Taliban's gender apartheid

Aug 14, 2025

South African women’s resistance holds lessons for the women of Afghanistan fighting gender apartheid

By Farhat Ariana Azami

Farhat Ariana Azami in conversation with Gertrude Fester, a veteran South African anti-apartheid activist, and Munisa Mubarez, a women’s rights advocate from Afghanistan.

Afghanistan Human Rights

UkraineAlert

Aug 14, 2025

Trump should insist on the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia

By Mercedes Sapuppo

When US President Donald Trump sits down with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, he must demand the return of the thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, writes Mercedes Sapuppo.

Conflict Human Rights

MENASource

Aug 8, 2025

Sweida’s humanitarian crisis presents a test for Syria’s transitional government and its global partners

By Diana Rayes 

Sweida is not an isolated tragedy—it is a litmus test for Syria's fragile political transition and for the international community’s resolve to respond to the unfolding humanitarian crisis.

Conflict Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Aug 6, 2025

How the US and Colombia can tackle crime, migration, and fallout from Venezuela’s crisis

By Lucie Kneip, Geoff Ramsey

Despite differences in priorities and political approaches, opportunities exist for the US and Colombia to coordinate policy that promotes stability in Venezuela and the broader region.

Colombia Corruption

Issue Brief

Aug 6, 2025

Surfing the Hallyu: What Taiwan can learn from South Korea’s cultural diplomacy

By Nik Foster

With sustained investment and strategic branding, Taiwan can increase global awareness, deepen international partnerships, and fortify its national identity through cultural diplomacy.

China Civil Society

UkraineAlert

Aug 5, 2025

Digital democracy is the key to staging wartime elections in Ukraine

By Brian Mefford

With no end in sight to Russia's invasion, Ukraine cannot afford to postpone all elections indefinitely. With this in mind, it is time to start the process of digitalizing Ukraine’s democracy, writes Brian Mefford.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

UkraineAlert

Aug 5, 2025

Ukraine’s anti-corruption reforms are more vital than ever during wartime

By Olena Halushka

The recent wave of nationwide protests in defense of the country’s anti-corruption reforms served as a timely reminder that Ukraine’s democratic instincts remain strong, even amid the horrors of Russia’s invasion and the escalating bombardment of Ukrainian cities, writes Olena Halushka.

Civil Society Conflict

New Atlanticist

Jul 31, 2025

Strategic resilience can help prevent tragedy in the next flash flood

By Thomas S. Warrick

Preventing future tragedies will require sustained focus—and resources—from federal, state, and local governments. Here are six steps to take now.

Resilience United States and Canada

Experts