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

IranSource

Mar 20, 2024

Iran targeted human rights sanctions series: Understanding ‘terrorist organization’ designations in relation to the IRGC

By Celeste Kmiotek, Lisandra Novo

This post looks at how terrorist organization listings are decided, the consequences, and how these are related to targeted human rights sanctions.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

UkraineAlert

Mar 19, 2024

Ukraine’s partners should link wartime aid to continued reform progress

By Mykhailo Zhernakov, Nestor Barchuk

It is crucial for Ukraine’s international allies to link continued wartime financial assistance with the implementation of reforms, write Mykhailo Zhernakov and Nestor Barchuk.

Civil Society Conflict

New Atlanticist

Mar 18, 2024

Addressing Haiti’s turmoil starts with its Caribbean neighbors—and US and Canadian support

By Jason Marczak, Wazim Mowla

A long-term approach is needed in which Caribbean leaders are in the driver’s seat, while Washington and Ottawa help to offset the costs.

Caribbean Crisis Management

Report

Mar 15, 2024

Attracting foreign direct investments

By Jérémie Bertrand, Joseph Lemoine, Dan Negrea, and Caroline Perrin

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a pivotal objective for countries seeking to bolster their economic development and global competitiveness. By delving into the relationship between freedom and FDI using the Freedom and Prosperity Indexes and examining institutional mechanisms to influence investment, we shed light on the dynamics that determine a country’s attractiveness to foreign investors.

Economy & Business Freedom and Prosperity

New Atlanticist

Mar 14, 2024

Three activists offer a window into life behind bars for unjustly imprisoned women around the world

By Katherine Golden

An Atlantic Council event featured three recipients of the US State Department’s 2024 International Women of Courage Award.

Belarus Civil Society

New Atlanticist

Mar 13, 2024

Will the US crack down on TikTok? Six questions (and expert answers) about the bill in Congress.

By Atlantic Council experts

The US House has just passed a bill to force the Chinese company ByteDance to either divest from TikTok or face a ban in the United States.

China Cybersecurity
A crowd of people is viewed from behind, and one person is holding a sign that says "Democracia"

Report

Mar 5, 2024

The future of democracy in the Americas

By Breana Stanski and Diego Area

The Democracy and Governance commitment at the Ninth Summit of the Americas marked an imperative platform for strengthening the region’s democratic values and institutions.

International Organizations Latin America

Inflection Points Today

Feb 27, 2024

The ‘Voice of Poland’ appeals to Americans on Ukraine: ‘Now is the moment to act’

By Frederick Kempe

Having grown up in a Poland under Soviet communist rule, Sikorski sees the battle as one against a new array of autocrats.

Conflict Defense Industry

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

EU’s future prosperity will be marked by war in Ukraine

By Simeon Djankov

The EU’s freedom and prosperity dynamics will be marked by the war in Ukraine. The indexes provoke philosophical reflection: Is Europe's prosperity dwindling due to an extensive social safety net? Is the strength of European integration declining with new members, while the strength of EU federalism diminishes?

Europe & Eurasia European Union

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 26, 2024

Russia will suffer decreases in every dimension of prosperity

By Konstantin Sonin

Over fifteen years, Russia's economy stagnated with low growth and persistent inequality. Challenges include minority rights restrictions, healthcare issues, and an educational crisis due to teacher exodus.

Europe & Eurasia Freedom and Prosperity

Experts