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.

No ‘free-riding’ here: European defense spending defies US critics

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

Mar 13, 2023

No ‘free-riding’ here: European defense spending defies US critics

By Jason Davidson

Recently released evidence suggests that most of NATO’s members have increased their defense spending or plan to—even as the US has increased its own presence in Europe.

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

Fast Thinking

Mar 10, 2023

Why did China broker an Iran-Saudi detente?

By Atlantic Council

What does this move mean for one of the Middle East’s defining rivalries? How should the United States view China’s role in the breakthrough? Our experts dig beyond the diplomat-speak.

Economy & Business Iran

New Atlanticist

Mar 10, 2023

Experts react: Iran and Saudi Arabia just agreed to restore relations, with help from China. Here’s what that means for the Middle East and the world.

By Atlantic Council experts

Long-standing regional adversaries just made a big announcement: They will reestablish diplomatic relations in a deal brokered by China. Atlantic Council experts share their insights on the announcement.

China Iran

Ukrainian service members from a battalion, named of nom-de-guerre of their commander 'Da Vinci', Hero of Ukraine, who was killed in a fight against Russian troops, fire a howitzer M119 at a front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the city of Bakhmut, Ukraine March 10, 2023. REUTERS/Oleksandr Ratushniak bakhmut

New Atlanticist

Mar 10, 2023

Russian War Report: Russian army advances toward Bakhmut, but its offensive capabilities remain unclear

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

The Russian army advances toward Bakhmut while a large-scale russian air attack targets civilian infrastructure.

Conflict Disinformation

New Atlanticist

Mar 9, 2023

Three things to watch when Ursula von der Leyen visits the White House

By Jörn Fleck, James Batchik, Nicole Lawler

Expect coordination on supporting Ukraine and weakening Russia, addressing China—and, possibly, an attempt to move past the rift sparked by the Inflation Reduction Act.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Mar 9, 2023

The US needs to reform security cooperation and arms transfer processes—not create new policies

By R. Clarke Cooper

The Biden administration's new Conventional Arms Transfer (CAT) policy in late February is unnecessary and potentially more cumbersome than what's already on the books.

Defense Industry Defense Technologies

New Atlanticist

Mar 8, 2023

Gender persecution is happening in Iran. Targeted sanctions would be a step toward accountability.

By Celeste Kmiotek, Lisandra Novo

Designating the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, a principal institution behind the systematic oppression of women in Iran, would put its members on notice.

Corruption Human Rights

New Atlanticist

Mar 8, 2023

Inflation comes with a big gender gap. Here are five ways to narrow it.

By Nicole Goldin

This year’s International Women’s Day is taking place against a backdrop of an inflation surge that is disproportionately impacting women.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

New Atlanticist

Mar 7, 2023

How policymakers should fight for freedom and prosperity in a world of rising autocracy

By Yomna Gaafar, Joseph Lemoine

Researchers unveiled new data at the Atlantic Council that can help policymakers promote democracy and turn the tide of autocratization in regions around the world.

Freedom and Prosperity Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Mar 6, 2023

Five takeaways from the Estonian elections, where security trumped inflation by a landslide

By Marie Jourdain

Prime Minister Kaja Kallas's victory showed how to build national cohesion, the future of electronic voting, and more.

Eastern Europe Economy & Business

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