New Atlanticist

Sharp insights and bold ideas from across the Council

From climate change to the China challenge and the contest between democracy and dictatorship, the New Atlanticist is where top experts and policymakers at the Atlantic Council and beyond offer exclusive insight on the most pressing global challenges—and the US role in addressing them alongside allies and partners.

The Council’s flagship section features big ideas, groundbreaking research, lightning-fast expert reactions, in-depth analyses, and thought-provoking commentary to shape public policy.

Russian War Report: Black Sea military operations approach NATO countries’ waters

New Atlanticist Sep 4, 2025

Dispatches from Damascus: The state of Syria’s postwar transition nine months after Assad’s fall

On a recent trip to the Syrian capital, Atlantic Council experts took note of how far the country has come since the Assad regime’s fall and what still needs to happen to secure peace and prosperity.

New Atlanticist Aug 29, 2025

Twenty questions (and expert answers) about the negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine

By Atlantic Council experts

August saw a flurry of diplomatic activity to end Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As September nears, Atlantic Council experts share their insights on what to expect next.

Conflict Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

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

Stay updated

Explore our unique analysis

Fast Thinking

When major global news breaks, the Atlantic Council’s experts have you covered—delivering their sharpest rapid insight and forward-looking analysis direct to your inbox.

Experts React

Dive deep into developing stories, guided by continually updated expert analysis that leaves you better informed about the most pressing global issues behind the headlines.

Markup

Our experts decipher and annotate major speeches and policy documents to break down big ideas and lay them out in plain language.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy looks across the room towards Russia's Ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya as Zelenskiy addresses the United Nations Security Council during a ministerial level meeting of the Security Council on the crisis in Ukraine at U.N. headquarters in New York, September 20, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Segar

New Atlanticist

Sep 21, 2023

Russian War Report: Black Sea military operations approach NATO countries’ waters

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Zelenskyy expresses frustration at the UN, Russia seems unlikely to block YouTube, and the US drops new sanctions.

Conflict Digital Policy

New Atlanticist

Sep 20, 2023

The 2023 Global Citizen Awards: A tribute to selflessness and cooperation in the face of autocratic aggression

By John Cookson and Daniel Hojnacki

The twelfth Global Citizen Awards took place in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on September 20. Honorees included President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Secretary Janet L. Yellen, and Victor L.L. Chu.

Economy & Business Germany

New Atlanticist

Sep 20, 2023

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dedicates his Global Citizen Award to the brave people of Ukraine and those killed by ‘Russian terrorists.’ Read his full remarks.

By Atlantic Council

The Ukrainian president dedicated his award to the men and women on the frontlines of the war, the teachers and doctors who kept working despite the threat of missiles, and the children who have been killed.

Conflict International Norms

New Atlanticist

Sep 20, 2023

What it will take to feed Africa—and the world—in the coming decades

By Katherine Golden

During a discussion at Atlantic Council in New York, officials and food security experts laid out the solutions that can expand Africa's agricultural productivity—and make it more resilient to climate change.

Climate Change & Climate Action Resilience

New Atlanticist

Sep 20, 2023

Does the new Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation mark a sea change in transatlantic relations?

By Atlantic Council experts

A newly announced group of thirty-two countries aims for further collaboration on economic development, environmental protection, and maritime issues such as illegal fishing.

Africa Americas

New Atlanticist

Sep 20, 2023

Carbon removal is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reduce the risks of overshooting global warming targets

By Mahmoud Abouelnaga, Raul Brens Jr.

Carbon dioxide removal technologies offer a crucial pathway to achieving net-zero emissions and minimizing the extent and duration of any overshoot.

Climate Change & Climate Action Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Sep 20, 2023

Will Zelenskyy’s Washington visit help deliver ATACMS for Ukraine?

By John E. Herbst

The White House is worried about the counteroffensive, but it has held off on supplying Ukraine the missiles that would help make a breakthrough.

Conflict Defense Policy

U.S. President Joe Biden addresses the 78th Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City, U.S., September 19, 2023. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs

New Atlanticist

Sep 19, 2023

With the UN General Assembly underway, keep freedom at the forefront

By Nina Dannaoui-Johnson, James Storen

Data from the Atlantic Council’s Freedom and Prosperity Indexes show that freedom is both present and actively pursued all over the world.

Africa Americas

New Atlanticist

Sep 18, 2023

Gender-based violence is a problem in the Caribbean. Here’s how local leaders in Jamaica and Guyana are addressing it.

By Martin Cassinelli

In Guyana, 55 percent of women reported having experienced at least one form of violence, including intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual abuse.

Caribbean Latin America

New Atlanticist

Sep 15, 2023

A Saudi-Israeli deal is not happening just yet. But there are other ways to expand the Abraham Accords.

By Katherine Golden

Officials convening at the US Capitol discussed the economic and cultural projects that can expand the Accords' impact and spread prosperity in the Middle East.

Israel Middle East

Share

Issue briefs and reports