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.

As Blinken visits Tonga, the US needs to think beyond China in the Pacific Islands

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

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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.

New Atlanticist

Jul 25, 2023

As Blinken visits Tonga, the US needs to think beyond China in the Pacific Islands

By Parker Novak

Geopolitics is important, but Washington’s relations with the strategically located region need to be about more than competition with Beijing.

China Economy & Business

Protesters take part in a demonstration against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his nationalist coalition government's judicial overhaul by the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, July 24, 2023.

Fast Thinking

Jul 24, 2023

What’s next for Israel’s judicial clash

By Atlantic Council

As the Knesset passes controversial judicial reforms, our experts from Jerusalem to Washington weigh in on the state of Israeli democracy.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jul 24, 2023

What Israel’s vote on ‘reasonableness’ means for its future

By Atlantic Council experts

The Knesset has approved the first part of a judicial overhaul that curbs the Supreme Court's power over government appointments and plans. Atlantic Council experts share their insights on the issue.

Economy & Business Israel

New Atlanticist

Jul 21, 2023

From Ukraine to China, Meloni and Biden are closer than you think

By Valbona Zeneli

The Italian prime minister will travel to the White House on July 27 to meet with US President Joe Biden and discuss the transatlantic relationship.

Economy & Business Italy

New Atlanticist

Jul 21, 2023

Dispatch from Odesa: Russia escalates its naval war against Ukraine

By Michael Bociurkiw

After ending its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Russia has launched daily missile strikes along the Ukrainian coast from the sea.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Jul 21, 2023

Prepare for the worst: Five steps for leaders in an age of crises

By Elizabeth Sizeland and Veera Parko

Extreme events seem to be increasing in frequency and severity, so policymakers and officials need to do more to prepare for them.

Conflict Crisis Management

Russian officers from the wagner group are seen around Central African president Faustin-Archange Touadera as they are part of the presidential security system during the referendum campaign to change the constitution and remove term limits, in Bangui, Central African Republic July 17, 2023. REUTERS/Leger Kokpakpa

New Atlanticist

Jul 20, 2023

Russian War Report: Wagner is still in business in Africa

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Despite their Russia-based forces being relocated to Belarus after their failed mutiny, Wagner Group is still alive and active in Africa, including ahead of a referendum in the Central African Republic.

Africa Belarus

New Atlanticist

Jul 19, 2023

An eight-year diplomatic lull is over. So what did EU and Latin American and Caribbean leaders achieve?

By Jason Marczak, Jörn Fleck

The EU-CELAC Summit in Brussels this week unleashed a newfound European commitment to the Americas. But what happens between now and 2025 will be decisive.

Caribbean Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Jul 19, 2023

Experts react: South Korea embarks on a new nuclear era. How will it play out?

By Atlantic Council experts

US and South Korean officials just met in Seoul for the inaugural meeting of the Nuclear Consultative Group, a new bilateral platform to coordinate deterrence against a North Korean nuclear attack.

Crisis Management East Asia

Markup

Jul 18, 2023

The National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation Plan: A CSI Markup

By Trey Herr, Stewart Scott, Maia Hamin, Will Loomis, Sara Ann Brackett, Jennifer Linn

On July 13, the White House released the Implementation Plan for the 2023 US National Cybersecurity Strategy. Read along with CSI staff, fellows, and experts for commentary and what the NCSIP means for the Strategy.

Cybersecurity United States and Canada

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