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.

The 2023 Distinguished Leadership Awards: Honoring the women shaping the global future

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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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

May 11, 2023

The 2023 Distinguished Leadership Awards: Honoring the women shaping the global future

By Katherine Golden, Daniel Malloy

Women play a leading role in problem solving, making a historic difference on battlefields, in protests, and in boardrooms. Our annual awards honored awardees embodying this role.

Africa Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

May 10, 2023

Ukraine’s friends must show ‘we’ve got the grit’ in supporting its fight, says UK foreign secretary

By Katherine Golden

James Cleverly argued at an Atlantic Council Front Page event that if the West is saving its stockpiles in its "military cupboard" for a rainy day, "this is the rainy day."

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

May 9, 2023

Experts react: Israel strikes Gaza. How far will this conflict go, and how will it impact the region?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts share their insights on the prospects for escalation and what it all means for Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other regional players.

Conflict Iran

New Atlanticist

May 8, 2023

China’s support may not be ‘lethal aid,’ but it’s vital to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine

By Markus Garlauskas, Joseph Webster, Emma C. Verges

A close look at trade data shows that Beijing is already providing critical support for Moscow's war aims. Policymakers should not get hung up on the "lethal aid" red line.

China Conflict

New Atlanticist

May 5, 2023

Poland makes its case for European leadership

By Daniel Fried, Aaron Korewa

A close read of Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau's comprehensive foreign policy statement reveals a country that stands on the side of freedom, even as it faces difficulties with European partners.

Central Europe Elections

TURKEYSource

May 5, 2023

To secure the Black Sea, the West must help Moldova stand up to Russian aggression

By Arnold C. Dupuy

Moldova is working on orienting itself more closely with the West, but it needs support to fend off Russian pressure and attempts to gain influence.

Eastern Europe Geopolitics & Energy Security

creenshot of May 4 Telegram video showing Wagner Group financier Yevgeny Prigozhin standing in front of dozens of dead soldiers {blurred] and excoriating Kremlin military leadership for not providing Wagner with adequate ammunition supplies. Warning: original source video contains graphic footage. (Source: Kyepka Prigozhina/archive)

New Atlanticist

May 5, 2023

Russian War Report: Prigozhin threatens Wagner withdrawal from Bakhmut

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin threatened to withdraw forces from Bakhmut following conflict with Russian military leadership over resources.

Conflict Disinformation

New Atlanticist

May 4, 2023

Putin’s ‘Eurasian’ fixation reveals ambitions beyond Ukraine

By Andrew A. Michta

To explain the reasons for the fall of the Soviet Union and chart a course for his country's redemption, the Russian president espouses an ideology offering a fundamental break with the past.

Politics & Diplomacy Russia

New Atlanticist

May 3, 2023

It’s broken: The humanitarian response is keeping Syrians in a loop of helplessness

By Arwa Damon

The Atlantic Council's Arwa Damon shares insights from a recent visit to Idlib province in northwestern Syria, where the humanitarian situation remains dire.

Crisis Management Human Rights

New Atlanticist

May 2, 2023

India is now the world’s most populous country. Can its economy keep up?

By Irfan Nooruddin

A failure to harness the energies of the world’s largest population will not just be a tremendous missed opportunity. It will also be a millstone weighing down India’s future.

China Economy & Business

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