Western Europe

Western European nations are at the heart of the transatlantic relationship. These countries are considered architects of the rules-based order, having played prominent roles at the Bretton Woods Conference, the founding of NATO, and the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, the predecessor to the EU. As the transatlantic community faces internal strife, external pressures, and a new era of great power competition, US engagement with its Western European allies has never been more important.

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FEATURED COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS

Friendlander quoted in Bloomberg on long term effect of sanctions and the Russia Ukraine war

Report Nov 10, 2025

France’s policy on China: Strategic autonomy and less naïveté

By Zoltán Fehér

Over the last decade, France’s long-standing engagement with China has transformed into a more nuanced and cautious dynamic, reflecting a growing emphasis on balancing. This shift is guided by France’s pursuit of strategic autonomy, its effort to “de-risk” economic and security ties, and the broader geopolitical realities unfolding in the Indo-Pacific.
China Economy & Business
Friendlander quoted in Bloomberg on long term effect of sanctions and the Russia Ukraine war

New Atlanticist Aug 28, 2025

Germany wants to double its defense spending. Where should the money go?

By Atlantic Council experts

After decades of Berlin underinvesting in its defense, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has plans to transform the Bundeswehr into Europe’s strongest military. 
Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia
Friendlander quoted in Bloomberg on long term effect of sanctions and the Russia Ukraine war

New Atlanticist Aug 19, 2025

Europe needs to keep up the momentum for Ukraine after its White House show of force

By Jörn Fleck, James Batchik

Among other steps, European leaders should press forward on defining what security guarantees for Ukraine look like.
European Union France

Program

The Europe Center promotes the transatlantic leadership and strategies required to ensure a strong Europe.

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Content

In the News

Mar 3, 2022

Friendlander quoted in Bloomberg on long term effect of sanctions and the Russia Ukraine war

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Mar 3, 2022

Friendlander quoted in the Pioneer on economic sanctions

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Mar 3, 2022

Friendlander quoted in CNBC on the unprecedented nature of Western sanctions against Russia

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Mar 3, 2022

Our research on the location of Russian central bank’s foreign exchange reserves featured in Axios

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Mar 3, 2022

Chemali quoted in Washington Post on Russian reserves held abroad

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Mar 2, 2022

Lichfield quoted in CNN Business on Russia’s import substitution policies following western sanctions in 2014

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Mar 1, 2022

Lichfield quoted in NBC news on Germany-Russia relations

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Mar 1, 2022

Friendlander quoted in Wall Street Journal on the impact of sanctions on the Russian people

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Mar 1, 2022

Will Germany’s geopolitical awakening last?

By Roderick Kefferpütz

For Germany’s new government, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a geopolitical baptism by fire.

Crisis Management Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Mar 1, 2022

Sullivan joins Asharq News to discuss NS2 bankruptcy
Arabic Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion
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Experts

Fellow

Hanna Dohmen

Nonresident Fellow

Global China Hub

China Chinese

Fellow

William Drozdiak

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Europe & Eurasia France

Millennium fellow

Katrin Eggenberger

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture of the Principality of Liechtenstein

Millennium Leadership Program

Central Europe Eastern Europe

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Katerina Elias-Trostmann

Director, Climate & Nature for Latin America, Salesforce

Millennium Leadership Program

Brazil Climate Change & Climate Action

Fellow

Tobias Ellwood

Distinguished Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative

Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense

Staff

Peter Engelke

Senior Fellow, GeoStrategy Initiative

GeoStrategy Initiative Global Energy Center

Technology & Innovation
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