Atlantic Council

Atlantic Council. The Atlantic Council is a prominent Washington, D.C.-based think tank focused on international affairs and fostering leadership across the Atlantic Ocean. Established in 1961, it aims to promote constructive engagement between North America and Europe, while addressing global challenges. Its work spans geopolitical strategy, economic policy, and security issues, engaging a network of former government officials, business leaders, and military officers.

History

The organization was founded in 1961 by a group of American citizens concerned with strengthening NATO and transatlantic solidarity during the Cold War. Early supporters included prominent figures like Dean Acheson, Christian Herter, and Will Clayton, who were instrumental in shaping the Marshall Plan and post-war United States foreign policy. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it provided a forum for dialogue between Western leaders and strategists, focusing on containment of the Soviet Union and the expansion of democratic institutions. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, its mandate broadened to include the integration of Central and Eastern Europe into Western structures, supporting the enlargement of NATO and the European Union. In the 21st century, its focus has expanded to address global issues such as cybersecurity, climate change, and strategic competition with China and Russia.

Organization and leadership

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by John F. W. Rogers, a former official at the United States Department of the Treasury. The President and Chief Executive Officer is Frederick Kempe, a former editor and columnist for the Wall Street Journal. Its leadership and senior fellows include numerous former high-ranking officials, such as Condoleezza Rice, Robert M. Gates, Hugh Shelton, and Kurt Volker. It operates several regional centers and programs, including the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, named for former National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft, and the Europe Center. Funding is derived from a variety of sources, including governments, private foundations, and corporate partners like Google, Lockheed Martin, and the United Arab Emirates.

Programs and initiatives

Its work is carried out through numerous thematic and regional programs. The Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security analyzes defense and geopolitical strategy, while the Global Energy Center addresses issues at the intersection of energy, security, and climate. The Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) investigates disinformation and threats in the information space, often focusing on activities linked to the Kremlin or other state actors. Other significant initiatives include the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, which focuses on policy in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Freedom and Prosperity Center, which studies the linkages between economic and political liberty. It also hosts major annual events, such as the Global Energy Forum in Abu Dhabi and the Berlin Transatlantic Conference.

Publications and analysis

It produces a wide array of publications, including in-depth reports, policy briefs, and timely commentary. Flagship publications include the "Issue Brief" and "Strategy Paper" series, which provide analysis on topics ranging from Arctic security to the future of artificial intelligence. Its experts frequently contribute to major media outlets like the New York Times, Financial Times, and CNN. The "New Atlanticist" blog offers daily insights on breaking events, while the "Atlantic Council IN TURKEY" publication provides regional analysis. It also publishes books and hosts podcasts, such as "The Truth of the Matter," featuring interviews with figures like Fiona Hill and Philip Breedlove.

Influence and impact

The organization is regarded as an influential voice in shaping transatlantic policy and global strategic discourse. Its events and task forces often convene current and former leaders, including Antony Blinken, Ursula von der Leyen, and Jens Stoltenberg, facilitating Track 1.5 diplomacy. Its analysis on Ukraine, particularly following the Revolution of Dignity and the subsequent War in Donbas, has informed policy debates in Brussels and Washington, D.C.. The work of the Digital Forensic Research Lab has been cited by governments and institutions like the European Parliament in discussions on election security and foreign interference. While sometimes criticized for its funding sources, it remains a key institution in the ecosystem of international affairs think tanks, alongside the Council on Foreign Relations and the Brookings Institution.

Category:Think tanks based in Washington, D.C. Category:International relations organizations