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AfricaSource

May 21, 2026

For a sustained ceasefire or truce in Sudan, remember: Trust, but verify

By Ernst Jan Hogendoorn

Negotiators should insist any ceasefire or truce agreement allows for a dedicated, on-the-ground monitoring mechanism.

Conflict Human Rights

Dispatches

May 21, 2026

Dispatch from Greece: Geopolitical crises are accelerating collaboration between Europe and the Gulf

By Jonathan Panikoff, Jörn Fleck, and John Cookson

A look behind the scenes at the recent Europe Gulf Forum, hosted by the Antenna Group in partnership with the Atlantic Council.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Issue Brief

May 21, 2026

For homeland missile defense, think Golden Zones, not a Golden Dome 

By Ankit Panda

While the second Trump administration correctly diagnoses a more dangerous nuclear environment facing the country, a comprehensive defensive system is the wrong prescription. The risks of prompting adversary proliferation and stretching US resources thin are too high.

Defense Technologies Missile Defense

Issue Brief

May 21, 2026

Golden Dome is the missile defense the US needs

By Henry "Trey" Obering

The United States should pursue a comprehensive missile defense system to protect the homeland from advanced threats posed by China, Russia, and North Korea. Political will from the Trump administration and advances in technology make the idea of the long-discussed "dome" over the United States more feasible now than ever.

Missile Defense Security & Defense

Russia Tomorrow

May 21, 2026

The Kadyrov question: Who rules Chechnya next?

By Marat Iliyasov

The latest report in the Atlantic Council's Russia Tomorrow series assesses the four pathways that may await Chechnya after Kadyrov is no longer in power.

Corruption Crisis Management

Dispatches

May 20, 2026

How Russia exploits drone incursions in the Baltics—and how to respond

By Justina Budginaite-Froehly

A series of recent drone overflights in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland have revealed a shifting strategy from Russia.

Drones Eastern Europe

Inflection Points Dialogues

May 20, 2026

UAE presidential advisor Anwar Gargash on the Iran war, the Abraham Accords, and Europe-Gulf cooperation

By Frederick Kempe

On the sidelines of the Europe Gulf Forum, Gargash shares his thoughts on the Iran war and its far-reaching consequences.

Conflict Energy & Environment

Dispatches

May 20, 2026

After the Castro indictment, what is Trump’s endgame in Cuba? 

By Atlantic Council experts

The pressure campaign raises a number of urgent questions. We turned to experts in the Atlantic Council’s network for answers. 

Cuba Democratic Transitions

TURKEYSource

May 20, 2026

The future of European nuclear deterrence—and Turkey’s role in it

By Mehmet Fatih Ceylan and Ece Şolendil

With US guarantees in doubt, Europe is moving toward its own nuclear deterrent. Can it succeed—and what role should Turkey play?

European Union Nuclear Deterrence

Inflection Points Dialogues

May 19, 2026

‘Numbers are getting worse’: The head of the IMF on the Iran war shock, inflation, AI risks, and more

By Frederick Kempe

Watch IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva talk with Atlantic Council President and CEO Frederick Kempe from the Europe Gulf Forum in Greece.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Experts

Events