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

UkraineAlert

Dec 2, 2025

Ukraine peace plan must not include amnesty for Russian war crimes

By Ivan Horodyskyy

US President Donald Trump's 28-point peace plan for Ukraine includes an amnesty for war crimes that critics say will only strengthen Putin's sense of impunity and set the stage for more Russian aggression, writes Ivan Horodyskyy.

Conflict European Union
A destroyed military vehicle and bombed buildings in Khartoum.

AfricaSource

Nov 25, 2025

El Fasher is only the latest wake-up call to the genocide unfolding in Sudan

By Rama Yade

Sudan’s civil war has become one of the world’s deadliest crises—and the massacre in El Fasher exposes a genocide unfolding in plain sight. As regional powers fuel the war, millions face famine, displacement, and systematic violence.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Nov 17, 2025

Experts react: Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death in absentia. What does this mean for Bangladesh’s future?

By Atlantic Council experts

A tribunal in Dhaka has sentenced the former Bangladeshi prime minister for her role in the government’s deadly crackdown in July 2024.

Bangladesh Democratic Transitions

UkraineAlert

Nov 17, 2025

Zelenskyy faces the biggest corruption scandal of his presidency

By Suriya Evans-Pritchard Jayanti

Amid Russia’s ongoing invasion, Ukraine in now facing the largest corruption scandal of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s presidency over alleged kickbacks in the graft-prone energy sector, writes Suriya Evans-Pritchard Jayanti.

Civil Society Conflict

New Atlanticist

Nov 7, 2025

The Supreme Court might slow Trump’s strategy. But he still has other tariff options.

By Sophia Busch

If the administration’s primary objective is to preserve tariff revenue and counter unfair practices, sections 301, 232, or 122 remain viable alternatives.

Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Nov 7, 2025

Representative Adam Smith on the NDAA, Venezuela, and the United States’ role in the world

By Daniel Hojnacki

The congressman discussed the National Defense Authorization Act and the Trump administration’s attacks on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and Pacific.

Conflict Defense Industry

New Atlanticist

Nov 6, 2025

The expert conversation: What’s Trump’s endgame in Venezuela?

By Matthew Kroenig, Jason Marczak

We spoke to Matthew Kroenig and Jason Marczak to shed light on the US campaign of attacks on alleged drug boats and lay out what's next.

Conflict Human Rights

Fast Thinking

Nov 5, 2025

How might the Supreme Court reshape Trump’s tariffs? 

By Atlantic Council

The Supreme Court expressed skepticism of the Trump administration’s sweeping tariff authority during oral arguments on Wednesday.

Economy & Business Rule of Law

UkraineAlert

Nov 4, 2025

EU praises Ukraine’s progress but warns Zelenskyy over corruption

By Peter Dickinson

Ukraine’s bid to join the EU received a boost this week with the release of a report praising the country’s progress toward future membership, but EU officials also warned President Zelenskyy about the dangers of backsliding on anti-corruption reforms, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Corruption

Balkans Debrief

Oct 29, 2025

The Hague vs. KLA leaders: Justice or tragedy? | A Debrief with James Rubin

Ilva Tare, Atlantic Council Senior Fellow, speakers with James Rubin about the Hashim Thaci war crimes trial in The Hague.

Democratic Transitions Europe & Eurasia

Experts