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

Report

May 25, 2017

Why Africa matters to US national security

By Grant T. Harris

African nations have rarely been perceived as essential partners in the pursuit of US national security and economic interests, but a re-assessment of Africa’s strategic importance is past due. Transnational threats emanating from the continent continue to evolve, and trade and investment relationships have deepened. A better and broader understanding of the threats and opportunities […]

Africa Climate Change & Climate Action

Report

Dec 6, 2016

Evaluating Western Sanctions on Russia

By Sergey Aleksashenko

It has been more than two years since the European Union (EU) and the United States imposed economic sanctions on Russia for its aggression in Ukraine. For some of the measures that is time enough to evaluate effectiveness. “The sanctions’ greatest achievement is that they have been an important demonstration of transatlantic unity. Still, there […]

Conflict Defense Policy

Issue Brief

May 6, 2016

Stolen Future

By Diane Francis

Diane Francis’ new issue brief, “Stolen Future,” exposes the depth and breadth of the economic devastation a corruption fueled oligarchy has wrought in Ukraine. In the wake of the Euromaidan Revolution, Ukraine has the opportunity to break the cycle of wealth appropriation which has plagued both Russia and Ukraine since the collapse of the Soviet […]

Corruption Democratic Transitions

Event Recap

Apr 26, 2016

Freedom of Expression in Syria: A Discussion with Mazen Darwish

By Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East

On April 15, 2016, the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East hosted a discussion with prominent Syrian media activist Mazen Darwish on the “Freedom of Expression in Syria.” Hariri Center Acting Director, Mirette Mabrouk, moderated the discussion. Darwish opened with remarks on the upcoming Geneva peace talks and the issues of political […]

Human Rights Rule of Law
Kimberly Motley

Event Recap

Apr 18, 2016

Motley’s law: The new age of legal representation

By South Asia Center

On April 18, the South Asia Center’s Afghanistan Rising Initiative hosted Kimberley Motley for a conversation about her experiences as an international litigator in Afghanistan and around the world, as well as her advocacy for rule of law and human rights worldwide. In her remarks, she emphasized how the rule of law means little if […]

Afghanistan Rule of Law

Report

Apr 5, 2016

Ukraine v. Russia and the Kleptocrats

By Alan Riley

In this new report from the Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center, Alan Riley proposes new legal avenues that Ukraine can pursue to recover asset losses resulting from corruption under the Yanukovych regime and Russian occupation of Ukrainian territory. In this new report from the Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center, Alan Riley proposes new legal avenues that Ukraine […]

Corruption Democratic Transitions

Issue Brief

Mar 22, 2016

What’s left of Europe if the far right has its way?

By Alina Polyakova and Anton Shekhovtsov

Far-right parties are on the rise in Europe, particularly in the post-soviet space. The 2008 financial crisis provided these parties with an electoral boost, and the refugee crisis threatening the continent has inflamed nationalist and xenophobic populism. In this new issue brief, “What’s Left of Europe if the Far Right Has Its Way?”, Dr. Alina […]

Central Europe Civil Society

Issue Brief

Mar 14, 2016

Why the Congo matters

By Gérard Prunier

With a population of almost 80 million people and unparalleled natural resources, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the DRC or the Congo) is a country of tremendous potential—but only that. One of the most violent places on earth, its people suffer from the brutality of armed groups and political instability. Now, President Joseph Kabila’s […]

Africa Corruption

Report

Aug 5, 2015

Human rights abuses in Russia-occupied Crimea

By Andrii Klymenko

The “green men” who fanned out across Crimea in early 2014, establishing control over key infrastructure and clearing the way for once-marginal political actors to seize the reins of power, were the vanguard of a forced political change that has led to grave human rights abuses across the Crimean peninsula. Firmly in control of the executive and law enforcement bodies, […]

Conflict English

Report

Jun 24, 2015

Shaping the Asia-Pacific Future: Strengthening the institutional architecture for an open, rules-based economic order

By Olin Wethington and Robert A. Manning

Australia China

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