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

New Atlanticist

Nov 30, 2023

Putin has been accused of starving civilians as a warfare tactic. Will the ICC agree?

By Alana Mitias, Celeste Kmiotek

New evidence about Russia’s actions in Ukraine offers the ICC an opportunity to prosecute starvation as a war crime or crime against humanity affecting Ukrainians and other global victims.

Conflict Human Rights

Report

Nov 30, 2023

Advancing US-Colombia cooperation on drug policy and law enforcement

By Atlantic Council US-Colombia Advisory Group

Consumption and price of the drug has remained stable in the United States in recent years. However, the current trend of falling coca leaf and cocaine prices in Colombia present a natural incentive for coca growers to find alternative forms of income, which could mean a higher rate of success for alternative development programs.

Civil Society Colombia

UkraineAlert

Nov 25, 2023

Many Ukrainians see Putin’s invasion as a continuation of Stalin’s genocide

By Kristina Hook

Many Ukrainians see today's ongoing Russian invasion as a continuation of the Stalin regime's genocidal attempts to eradicate Ukrainian national identity and destroy the Ukrainian nation, writes Kristina Hook .

Conflict Disinformation

New Atlanticist

Nov 17, 2023

Bangladesh is at a tipping point. Here are the scenarios for a contentious election season.

By Ali Riaz

Violence and street agitations are back in full swing in Bangladesh ahead of the scheduled general elections in January 2024.

Bangladesh Elections

New Atlanticist

Nov 14, 2023

What’s next for Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union

By Aleksander Cwalina

Opening accession negotiations in December would be a boost to Ukraine going into what is shaping up to be a pivotal 2024.

Corruption Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Nov 10, 2023

Warrick in The National: US President Joe Biden condemns ‘unconscionable’ Hamas attacksWarrick in The National:

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

Report

Nov 8, 2023

Future of the Cities Summit of the Americas

By Willow Fortunoff, Diego Area

The first-ever Cities Summit of the Americas created a new platform for mayors across the hemisphere to build partnerships with civil society organizations–particularly those focused on the region and/or local governance–private sector companies, and one another.

Civil Society Energy Markets & Governance

UkraineAlert

Oct 31, 2023

Attempted airport pogrom highlights rising antisemitism in Putin’s Russia

By Joshua Stein

An attempted pogrom in southern Russia's Republic of Dagestan has sent shock waves around the world and raised serious questions about the rising tide of antisemitism in Putin’s Russia, writes Joshua Stein.

Conflict Disinformation

MENASource

Oct 31, 2023

Israel claims it is no longer occupying the Gaza Strip. What does international law say?

By Celeste Kmiotek

The laws of occupation codify a basic principle of humanity: those with effective control over a population have obligations to protect it.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Oct 24, 2023

The legal challenges in holding Iran accountable for supporting Hamas

By C. Anthony Pfaff

Under current international law, a state actor may only be responsible for the actions of a proxy if it directs the proxy to take those actions or knows that the provided material would be used to commit certain crimes.

Iran Israel

Experts