Content

Dispatches

Jul 9, 2026

The collapse of Cuba’s state-run economy is years in the making

By Jason Marczak, María Fernanda Bozmoski, Ignacio Albe

Six charts reveal the extent of the Caribbean island’s economic fall under the communist regime.

Cuba Economy & Business

EnergySource

Jul 9, 2026

Five lessons from the oil market shock

By Ben Cahill

The past four months of the Hormuz crisis have surprised energy analysts. Taking stock of the impacts hints at structural changes to come.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Fast Thinking

Jul 8, 2026

Was the NATO Summit a success?

By Atlantic Council

Atlantic Council experts break down an eventful two days in Ankara.

NATO Security & Defense

EnergySource

Jul 8, 2026

The US paper fleet: The Jones Act and the 2026 Iran war stress test

By Morgan D. Bazilian, Jahara Matisek, Alex Gilbert, and Jamie Webster

The Hormuz crisis demonstrates that the Jones Act is no longer fit for purpose. It's time to update US maritime policy starting with the elimination of the domestic build rule.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Dispatches

Jul 7, 2026

NATO can emerge from the Ankara summit stronger. Here’s how.

By Matthew Kroenig, Torrey Taussig

By taking four specific steps, allies can have a successful summit and prove the Alliance is no “paper tiger.”

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Econographics

Jul 7, 2026

A weak yen spells trouble for Japan—at home and abroad

By Hung Tran

Japan’s weak yen is not a market anomaly. Structural capital outflows, shifting investment patterns, and dollar strength are keeping pressure on the currency—and creating potential new tensions with Washington.

Economy & Business Japan

UkraineAlert

Jul 5, 2026

With Putin visibly weakened, now is the time to back Ukraine

By Kira Rudik

Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently in a weaker position than at any time since Ukraine's battlefield victories in 2022. Kyiv's Western allies must seize this window of opportunity to push for peace through strength, writes Kira Rudik.

Conflict European Union

Dispatches

Jul 3, 2026

More European NATO allies should step up help to Ukraine through PURL

By Matt Trunkey

France, Italy, Turkey, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia each have an opportunity at the upcoming NATO Summit to show they are stepping up.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

Dispatches

Jul 2, 2026

‘What America means to me’: Global perspectives on the country’s 250th anniversary

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council fellows and staff not from (or not originally from) the United States share their reflections on the US semiquincentennial.

Politics & Diplomacy United States and Canada

The Big Story

Jul 2, 2026

A misguided war, a flawed deal, and a dangerous future. Here’s what to do next on Iran.

By William F. Wechsler

Trump should embrace a new negotiating approach, a new emphasis on regional security and deterrence, and a new commitment to preparing for the future.

Iran Middle East

Experts