In-depth research and reports

Our programs and centers deliver relevant, policy-focused research that matters to inform debate and action. Our focus is always on moving debate forward, integrating analysis with active, relevant conclusions throughout our published work.

Report

Mar 11, 2026

Is Syria on the right path?

By Asaad Sam Hanna

In the year since the ouster of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria has undergone a massive transformation. How has this played out so far?

Middle East Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Report

Mar 11, 2026

Ankara and Washington can build on recent groundwork to improve relations and stability

By Murat Yeşiltaş

The US-Turkey relationship can progress not only through crisis-producing issues but also through crisis-preventing areas of agreement.

Europe & Eurasia Middle East

Report

Mar 11, 2026

Foe or friend? US-Turkey bilateral relations seem set to improve as interests align

By Rich Outzen

If Turkey and the US pursue compatible goals and interests, room remains to balance internal political benefits with geopolitical cooperation.

Conflict Defense Policy

Report

Mar 11, 2026

Q&A with Rep. James Walkinshaw (VA-11)

By Atlantic Council Turkey Program

A Q&A with Congressman James Walkinshaw on US-Turkey relations, the Caucus on US-Turkish Relations and Turkish Americans, and Congress’s role in foreign policymaking.

NATO NATO Partnerships

Report

Mar 11, 2026

Navigating change: US-Turkish defense relations in 2026

By Atlantic Council Turkey Program

The sixth issue of the Defense Journal by Atlantic Council Turkey Program, takes up several of the regional, military-technical, and policy issues in US-Turkish relations.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

Report

Mar 11, 2026

Q&A with Turkish Member of Parliament Fuat Oktay

By Atlantic Council Turkey Program

A Q&A with Turkish Member of Parliament Fuat Oktay, covering US- Türkiye relations, the Turkish defense industry, and NATO.

Defense Technologies Europe & Eurasia

Report

Mar 11, 2026

As Ankara rethinks its Libyan policy, the Haftar family stands to gain

By Karim Mezran, Alissa Pavia

Libya remains mired in a protracted civil conflict that has divided the country between rival factions. Ankara, which had strongly backed one side, recently modified its foreign policy.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Report

Mar 11, 2026

Air defense in the age of saturation: Europe after the post-Cold War peace dividend illusion and Turkey’s Steel Dome

By Can Kasapoğlu

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine proved the importance of air and missile defense, Ankara's Steel Dome initiative can demonstrate a critical solution.

Defense Industry Defense Technologies

Issue Brief

Mar 9, 2026

New START might be dead, but legally binding arms control isn’t

By Michael Albertson

Who killed New START? Moscow and Beijing's behavior is mostly to blame—but an arms control community that privileged the aspirational and performative over substantive measures didn't help.

Issue Brief

Mar 3, 2026

Expanding transmission infrastructure to achieve low-cost, reliable, and abundant energy

By Ken Berlin, Frank Willey

With demand for electricity rising, the United States needs a long-term strategy to expand the power grid and improve energy reliability and affordability.

Energy & Environment Renewables & Advanced Energy

Issue Brief

Mar 3, 2026

Turkey’s gas diversification strategy and rising share of LNG

By Eser Özdil

An analysis of Turkey's LNG diversification strategy from 2016 to 2025 and the geopolitical implications of Turkey’s emergence as a gas exporter to Europe.

Energy Markets & Governance Geopolitics & Energy Security

Issue Brief

Feb 27, 2026

One month in, can Honduras’ new president put the country on the path to lasting economic gains?

By María Fernanda Bozmoski, Isabella Palacios

President Nasry Asfura’s early reforms have signaled a focus on fiscal austerity and competitiveness, sending positive messages to investors and to President Donald Trump, who backed him during the campaign. Sustaining this momentum will require significant structural reforms.

Americas Central America

In-Depth Research & Reports

Feb 26, 2026

The state of great power competition in the Gulf

By Jonathan Fulton

This issue brief examines Gulf states' strategic positioning amid shifting global power dynamics, the opportunities and challenges of great power competition, and regional efforts toward de-escalation and development.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Issue Brief

Feb 26, 2026

Standardizing carbon accounting worldwide with a single, robust, cost-effective system

By Vincent Aussilloux, Yann Coatanlem, and Karthik Ramanna

Carbon accounting has the potential to accelerate decarbonization, improve energy resilience, and strengthen economic security. But first, countries must decide on a robust, standardized system.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 23, 2026

When growth outpaces accountability: Political volatility in the Philippines

By Cesi Cruz

Economic growth in the Philippines has largely taken place in the absence of sustained political stability. Political rights and accountability swing sharply with changes in leadership. The task ahead is to ensure that economic progress deepens democratic accountability.

Corruption Elections

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 20, 2026

Tunisia needs both bread and freedom

By Ameni Mehrez

Tunisia was one of the Arab Spring's success stories, with dramatic increases in political freedom after the 2011 uprising. Fifteen years on, the country's experience shows how intertwined freedom and prosperity are. With economic opportunity not matching the increases in political voice, frustration and unrest has followed.

Democratic Transitions Fiscal and Structural Reform

Issue Brief

Feb 20, 2026

Four options for arms control after New START

By Amy Woolf

With the last quantitative limit on the world's largest nuclear arsenals now expired, Washington finds itself in a new and uncertain era, with less clarity about Russia’s nuclear forces, plans to upgrade its own, and growing concern about China's. The best option may be trilateral talks—but not about a new arms control treaty.

Arms Control China

Report

Feb 18, 2026

A strategic asset: Leveraging special security agreements for defense innovation

By Rob Murray

In a world where technological dominance defines military superiority, the United States must use every available tool to stay ahead. Special security agreements are one such tool. Here are the best ways to leverage these agreements and the pathfinder projects Washington should pursue to tackle critical defense challenges.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Russia Tomorrow

Feb 18, 2026

Negotiating with Putin’s Russia

By Donald N. Jensen, Iuliia Osmolovska

The latest report in the Atlantic Council's Russia Tomorrow examines Russia’s negotiating tactics and how the US can adjust its diplomatic strategies in turn.

Disinformation Eastern Europe

Report

Feb 12, 2026

Putin’s next move? Five Russian attack scenarios Europe must prepare for

By Richard D. Hooker, Jr.

Whether emboldened by victory in Ukraine or motivated by a loss to pursue success elsewhere, Russian president Vladimir Putin is likely to continue his campaign of aggression. The Nordic and Baltic region, already subject to a campaign of intimidation, is in the Kremlin’s crosshairs—with these five places at greatest risk.

Defense Policy Eastern Europe
Load More