Content

Fast Thinking

Jan 7, 2021

FAST THINKING: How the Capitol riot was coordinated online

By Atlantic Council

The team at the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab has conducted exhaustive research into how the event happened, combing through social media and other networks frequented by the far right. Let’s break down what they found.

International Norms National Security

New Atlanticist

Jan 7, 2021

It all depends on what happens next

By Daniel Fried

A mob summoned by the US president halted democracy in America. The long-term damage to the country depends on what happens next.

Elections International Norms

In the News

Jan 7, 2021

Ashford in Foreign Policy: America Can’t Promote Democracy Abroad. It Can’t Even Protect It at Home.

By Atlantic Council

On January 7, Emma Ashford wrote in Foreign Policy of the misplaced concern that domestic turmoil will undermine US foreign policy efforts: “How can anyone expect—as Joe Biden’s campaign promised—to “restore responsible American leadership on the world stage” if Americans cannot even govern themselves at home? How can the United States spread democracy or act […]

Democratic Transitions Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Jan 6, 2021

Learning from the abyss on Capitol Hill. What now?

By Frederick Kempe

The trauma should prompt us to redouble our efforts within the United States and among allies and partners to simultaneously strengthen our principles and our bonds.

Elections International Norms

In the News

Dec 23, 2020

Nooruddin in The Hindu: COVID-19 and limits of political accountability

By Atlantic Council

Coronavirus Political Reform

BelarusAlert

Dec 18, 2020

How secure is Belarus dictator Lukashenka’s throne of bayonets?

By Vladislav Davidzon

Belarus dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka's political survival depends on the continued loyalty of his extensive security apparatus—but just how secure is this throne of bayonets?

Belarus Democratic Transitions

GeoTech Cues

Dec 18, 2020

Pretrial risk assessment tools must be directed toward an abolitionist vision

By Nikhil Raghuveera and Hannah Biggs

The United States criminal justice system is increasingly turning to risk assessment tools in pretrial hearings—before a defendant is convicted of a crime—as well as in sentencing procedures. Risk assessment tools give judges a numerical metric that indicates a pretrial defendant’s risk of failing to appear in court, or threat to the community prior to their pretrial hearing. Judges set bail based on this tool. Facing an incredibly high volume of pretrial detainees, risk assessment tools are designed to help quickly and effectively determine pretrial detention and ease courts’ burdens. To truly address the failures of the criminal justice system, however, public sector leaders must:

Digital Policy Inclusive Growth

Issue Brief

Dec 17, 2020

Countering China’s crackdown on Hong Kong

By Anna Downs and Ash Jain

The implementation of the national security law has stifled the democratic movement in Hong Kong. This action sparked a series of democratic protests that China quickly attempted to dismantle—alarming observers worldwide. Can democracies mitigate the impact of the new national security laws on Hong Kong? Should Chine face penalties from the international community? Or will aligned democracies fail to defend other vulnerable democratic nations against Chinese malign influence?

China Civil Society

UkraineAlert

Dec 10, 2020

The EU must help resolve constitutional crisis in Kyiv

By Willem Aldershoff

Ukraine's Constitutional Court has plunged the country into a crisis that threatens its post-2014 progress. The EU can help Kyiv fight back by imposing sanctions on the MPs leading the attack on anti-corruption reforms.

Corruption Democratic Transitions

Press Release

Dec 10, 2020

Atlantic Council Announces Launch of Strategic Litigation Project

By Atlantic Council

New effort from Middle East Programs and the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative seeks to inject fresh thinking into how governments and practitioners can apply legal tools to further foreign policy interests and advance human rights and democracy around the world.

Human Rights International Norms
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Experts

Fellow

Nathan Sales

Distinguished fellow, Middle East Programs

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Extremism Human Rights

Millennium fellow

Olena Sotnyk

Adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine

Millennium Leadership Program

Human Rights Political Reform

Fellow

Marika Theros

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Security & Defense Politics & Diplomacy

Fellow

Franak Viačorka

Nonresident Fellow

Eurasia Center

Belarus Civil Society

Advisory Council member

Mary Ann Walker

Member, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Advisory Council

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

English Latin America

Fellow

Rama Yade

Senior Director, Africa Center

Africa Center Europe Center

Civil Society Human Rights