Rule of Law

Democracies function on the understanding that all citizens are equal under and subject to the law. Rule of law can often be one of the most difficult areas for countries transitioning to democracy, as the advantages afforded to elites under autocratic systems can be hard to dislodge.  When societies ensure that political leaders, business leaders, and social elites are not offered special judicial treatment, however, they are better equipped to promote equality, provide real chances of economic and social advancement, and attract foreign investment and economic activity.   

Content

MENASource

Feb 3, 2026

Why the Muslim Brotherhood is staying calm amid crackdowns in Jordan

By Aaron Magid

Despite widespread popularity, the Islamist faction did not organize large-scale protests, lowered its media profile, and avoided attacks.

Extremism Intelligence

Dispatches

Jan 23, 2026

2026 will be a big year in the Western Balkans. Here’s what to watch.

By Amanda Thorpe, Stuart Jones

In the coming year, Western Balkan countries will increasingly need to assume greater agency in shaping their own trajectories.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Dispatches

Jan 22, 2026

Trump may move on from Greenland. Europe won’t.

By Jörn Fleck, James Batchik

Trump’s willingness to engage in brinkmanship with Europe over Greenland will have a lasting impact on how the continent’s leaders approach relations with Washington.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

Dispatches

Jan 22, 2026

The US is taking action against Russia’s shadow fleet. In the Baltic Sea, Europe should follow suit.

By Justina Budginaite-Froehly

European nations should force Russia’s shadow fleet out of the Baltic Sea and help to reshape the maritime legal order.

Maritime Security Northern Europe

Fast Thinking

Jan 21, 2026

The future of Greenland and NATO after Trump’s Davos deal

By Atlantic Council

Our experts shed light on Trump’s speech at Davos and what the “framework of a future deal” on Greenland means for transatlantic relations.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

Dispatches

Jan 20, 2026

What to watch in Guatemala’s year of institutional reset

By Henrique Arevalo Poincot

With several important leadership positions scheduled to see changes, 2026 may be the year that Guatemala takes back its captured institutions.

Central America Corruption

Inflection Points

Jan 20, 2026

At Davos, Trump’s 19th-century instincts will collide with 21st-century uncertainty

By Frederick Kempe

The Greenland dispute has turned the World Economic Forum in Davos into the epicenter of transatlantic discord.

Conflict Economy & Business

MENASource

Jan 14, 2026

Voices from Iran: As rejection of government reaches all-time high, Iranians also wary of foreign intervention

By Tara Kangarlou

If Trump is serious about peace, stability, and a lasting legacy, the path forward does not run through air strikes or transactional deals with a failing theocracy.

Civil Society Crisis Management

Fast Thinking

Jan 12, 2026

How will the Trump-Powell clash shake the global economy? 

By Josh Lipsky

The US Justice Department is undertaking a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Our chair of international economics explains how this could impact US and global markets.

Dollar Dominance Economy & Business

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Jan 9, 2026

Singapore must shift from state-led expansion to productivity-led growth

By Linda Y.C. Lim

Singapore’s GDP has tripled since the 1990s. Now the city-state needs a new social compact that matches its high-income status. Creating space for productivity, entrepreneurship, and open debate will decide whether Singapore’s prosperity benefits more Singaporeans—or becomes increasingly fragile.

Economy & Business Freedom and Prosperity

Experts