Atlantic Council
Coverage of Atlantic Council in the Nexus archive.
- AI Is a Great Tool for Dictatorships
China is using AI tools, including American ones like ChatGPT, to launch covert propaganda campaigns against U.S. AI infrastructure development. OpenAI identified a campaign where Chinese-linked users generated polarizing content about data centers, aiming to slow construction and tip the global AI race in China's favor. The article highlights China's broader use of AI for surveillance, repression, and targeted propaganda to advance its geopolitical interests.
- Report warns Russia using shadow fleet to probe NATO drone defenses
A report by the International Institute of Strategic Studies warns Russia is using a shadow fleet of old ships to launch drones near European military and nuclear sites, testing NATO air defenses and causing disruptions. Between 2024 and 2026, 144 suspected drones were recorded near sensitive locations in multiple NATO countries, including Germany, France, and the UK, with over 1,000 sightings in Germany in 2025.
- Vance and Rubio take different approaches as Iran tests their 2028 prospects
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have differing approaches to implementing President Donald Trump's national security agenda, particularly in the Middle East. Vance criticizes Israel's actions in Lebanon affecting Iran negotiations, while Rubio supports Israel and led a preliminary agreement on Lebanon. The White House denies any rift between them despite internal administration reports of strategic differences.
- To defend against hybrid attacks, governments should team up with the private sector
European companies are facing hybrid attacks including drone surveillance, sabotage, and cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. The article highlights the need for closer government-private sector collaboration to address these threats, citing a Swedish committee as a model for effective coordination.
- NATO's Rutte says billions in new defense contracts will be announced at summit
NATO chief Mark Rutte announced tens of billions in new defense-related contracts to be unveiled at the alliance's July summit in Ankara. The summit will also include a pledge of support for Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in attendance.
- Analysis: Deal is ‘first step, not final breakthrough’
The US and Iran are nearing a preliminary framework agreement, but analysts from the Atlantic Council and Brookings Institution caution it is an initial step rather than a comprehensive deal. The agreement, likely a memorandum of understanding (MoU), would set principles for further negotiations and require sustained US leverage and European coordination.
- Iran war fuels political backlash, inflation debate in the US
Rising inflation and energy prices in the US have intensified political divisions, with Democrats criticizing President Donald Trump's Iran policy and trade tariffs for worsening economic conditions. Senate and House leaders, including Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, accuse Trump of starting a 'reckless war' with Iran, which they claim has spiked gas prices and eroded household incomes. Analysts link the conflict to global energy market disruptions, amplifying inflationary pressures.
- Global economic outlook worsens Iran war drags
The global economic outlook worsened amid the US-Iran conflict, with Bangladesh seeking IMF support, Africa facing slower growth due to fuel prices, Asian countries grappling with currency declines, and Latin America projected to experience slower growth. The African Development Bank warned of significant downside risks.
- Russia warns of major Kyiv attacks
Russia warned of major attacks on Kyiv, urging diplomats to leave, following weekend strikes including a hypersonic missile. Analysts suggest Russia is losing momentum, with Ukraine gaining ground for the first time since summer 2024, indicating a potential shift in the war's favor.
- Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of violating 72-hour ceasefire
Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating a 72-hour ceasefire. The ceasefire was brokered by the US and expired on Monday. Both countries are exchanging blame for the violation.
- Vessels seized by the U.S. this week were part of a global 'shadow fleet'
The U.S. military seized two Iranian-linked oil tankers this week, which are part of a global 'shadow fleet' involved in illicit activities. Elisabeth Braw, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, discusses the implications of these shadow vessels with NPR's Juana Summers.
- Hamas influence looms over Gaza elections as experts warn vote could backfire
Gazans in Deir al-Balah are holding local elections for the first time in 22 years, but experts warn the vote could empower Hamas, which refuses to disarm. Analysts like Jonathan Schanzer and Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib argue the election risks legitimizing Hamas and undermining ceasefire efforts, as the group maintains control through taxation, education systems, and police presence.
- The first AI-era war is a "slopaganda" battle to control memes
The article discusses the rise of AI-driven propaganda, or 'slopaganda,' in modern warfare, highlighting examples like AI-generated LEGO videos and memes depicting U.S. leaders. Experts warn this low-cost, viral content is reshaping information warfare, blurring lines between satire and misinformation while posing risks of trivializing conflicts.
- Atlantic Council: US-Iran Truce Become a Rorschach Test
The Atlantic Council discusses how a potential US-Iran truce is being interpreted as a Rorschach Test, reflecting differing geopolitical perspectives. The article explores how the truce's implications are viewed through various ideological lenses.