Content

Inflection Points

Aug 26, 2026

The danger of hitting mute on US bond markets

By Frederick Kempe

Stanley Druckenmiller's argument against his protégé Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's approach has caused a stir in fixed-income markets.

Economy & Business Macroeconomics

Dispatches

Aug 26, 2026

In an age of great-power competition, democracy is an advantage for the United States

By Markus Jaeger

The spread of democracy could give Washington an edge in great-power competition and make armed conflict less likely.

Americas China

EnergySource

Aug 26, 2026

Electricity demand is rising. How can the US secure energy for its dual military and civilian needs?

By Chuck "Chim Chim" Dockery, Wilson RIckerson, Morgan D. Bazilian

US military bases rely on the civilian power grid and are just as vulnerable to blackouts as regular customers. New policies should prioritize supply and resilience for critical missions.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Econographics

Aug 25, 2026

Maritime trade routes are under threat—and markets still underprice the risks

By Alex Mills

Conflict, climate change, and geopolitical tensions are putting unprecedented pressure on the world's most important waterways. The economic costs are set to ripple far beyond the shipping industry.

Central America Economy & Business

Inflection Points

Aug 25, 2026

Threats to US global leadership are mounting: fiscally, militarily, and with allies

By Frederick Kempe

Rising national debt, the ongoing war in Iran, and the trade dispute with Canada are testing the United States’ global leadership.

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Dispatches

Aug 24, 2026

Canada wants a deal, but Washington keeps moving the goalposts

By Marcy Grossman

As trade negotiations falter and the possibility of tariffs looms, there is better way forward for Washington and Ottawa—if they choose to take it.

Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy

Dispatches

Aug 24, 2026

Experts react: Will Trump’s Operation Economic Outcast isolate Iran?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts weigh in on the US Treasury’s newest measures intended “to sever every remaining economic lifeline sustaining” the Iranian regime.

Conflict Economy & Business

Dispatches

Aug 20, 2026

Why Iran has not folded yet

By Andrew L. Peek, Jonathan Panikoff

Formed by the brutal Iran-Iraq War, the men who now lead the Iranian regime will fight back before giving in. But time is not on their side.

Conflict Iran

Issue Brief

Aug 20, 2026

A Colombia-Venezuela agenda for recovery, security, and economic growth

By the US-Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition

The recent earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia have created urgent humanitarian needs that will require sustained international support. As recovery advances, the US-Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition outlines how both countries, with US support, can build a cooperation agenda.

Colombia Economy & Business

Dispatches

Aug 19, 2026

The view from South Korea on Trump scaling back joint military exercises

By Atlantic Council experts

Seoul-based Atlantic Council experts weigh in on how US president’s decision to cut short military training is being viewed by the US ally.

Defense Policy Korea

Experts