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.

It’s not 2008: Keep calm as central banks carry on

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.

New Atlanticist

Mar 16, 2023

It’s not 2008: Keep calm as central banks carry on

By Josh Lipsky

This week's financial drama may look familiar, but the world's financial firefighters have been preparing for this moment for nearly fifteen years.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Mar 16, 2023

What Zelenskyy should know before he talks with Xi

By Gabriel Alvarado

If Zelenskyy withholds his honest assessment of Beijing's peace plan, he may risk giving Beijing the perfect cover to refute questions about its alleged neutrality—and do little to ensure an outcome to the crisis that actually works for Ukraine.

China International Norms

New Atlanticist

Mar 15, 2023

Bailouts create a moral hazard even if they are justified. Is there another way?

By Hung Tran

The US guarantee for Silicon Valley Bank and possible Swiss intervention for Credit Suisse raise important questions. Here's one alternative approach for large depositors.

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

Experts react

Mar 15, 2023

Experts react: Honduras is establishing ties with China. What should Taiwan and the US do?

By Atlantic Council experts

With the switch, Taiwan will only be formally recognized by thirteen countries. Our experts weigh in on what it means for Honduras, China, and the United States.

Latin America Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Mar 14, 2023

What’s next for the US-UK-Australia submarine partnership?

By Atlantic Council experts

Dive into the details of the AUKUS submarine partnership just announced in San Diego by US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Australia Defense Technologies

New Atlanticist

Mar 13, 2023

The Fed’s tightening is a recipe for global volatility. Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse is just the start.

By Martin Mühleisen

In this volatile environment, it may take less than a historic shock to cause severe disruption. Governments and central banks around the world better be prepared.

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

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

Share

Issue briefs and reports