Content

Report

Sep 4, 2026

The right wing takes aim at the EU’s linchpin

By Jeffrey Gedmin

Germany's far-right AfD party is closing in on a once-unthinkable prize: an absolute majority in a state government. As polls show the party in the lead ahead of Saxony-Anhalt's September 6 election, can the center hold? 

Elections European Union

UkraineAlert

Sep 3, 2026

Russia is trying to bully Europe into abandoning Ukraine

By Maksym Beznosiuk, Will Dixon

Russia is escalating its campaign of so-called “grey zone” aggression against Europe as Putin attempts to intimidate EU leaders and deter further support for Ukraine, write Maksym Beznosiuk and Will Dixon.

Conflict Drones

Dispatches

Sep 1, 2026

What’s at stake for the AfD and Merz in Germany’s three September elections

By Phyllis Berry

The far-right Alternative for Germany is poised to make gains in three upcoming state-level votes in the eastern part of the country.

Elections Germany

Dispatches

Sep 1, 2026

Where and how Putin could expand his war in Europe beyond Ukraine

By Atlantic Council experts

The CIA director’s recent unannounced visit to Moscow has raised speculation about Russian plans to escalate attacks.

Conflict Eastern Europe

UkraineAlert

Aug 20, 2026

As pressure mounts on Putin, Russia is escalating against Ukraine’s allies

By Peter Dickinson

With the Russian army struggling to advance in Ukraine and Ukrainian strikes increasing inside Russia, Putin is escalating his gray zone campaign against Kyiv's European allies in a bid to deprive Ukraine of vital support and rescue his faltering invasion, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Drones

UkraineAlert

Jul 23, 2026

Ukraine leads European efforts to counter Russia’s growing ballistic missile threat

By Maksym Beznosiuk, William Dixon

As the Russian army struggles to advance in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin is increasingly relying on ballistic missiles to target the Ukrainian civilian population and maintain the momentum of his faltering invasion, write Maksym Beznosiuk and William Dixon.

Conflict Defense Technologies

UkraineAlert

Jun 18, 2026

Ukraine begins EU membership talks amid skepticism over associate option

By Andreas Umland

Ukraine officially opened membership talks with the ‌European Union this week in a move hailed by Ukrainian officials as “a Rubicon” moment for the war-torn country. While this is welcome news for Kyiv, it remains unclear how long it could still take to actually join the EU, writes Andreas Umland.

Conflict Drones

UkraineAlert

Jun 4, 2026

Europe cannot afford to leave Ukraine trapped in the geopolitical grey zone

By Maksym Beznosiuk, William Dixon

Europe cannot afford to leave Ukraine stuck in the geopolitical grey zone as this uncertainty fuels Russia's invasion and feeds Putin's dreams of a new Russian Empire, write Maksym Beznosiuk and William Dixon.

Conflict Drones

Issue Brief

May 8, 2026

Can Friedrich Merz’s chancellorship survive?

By Phyllis Berry

One year into his chancellorship, Friedrich Merz heads a government beset by economic stagnation, low public approval, and coalition tensions.

Economy & Business Elections

Dispatches

May 5, 2026

‘Zeitenwende’ is anchoring Germany’s role as a Baltic Sea Power

By Anna Wieslander

The Merz government has been keen to emphasize that Germany is a trustworthy and long-term security provider in the region.

Defense Policy Germany

Experts