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.

One year later, Germany’s ‘Zeitenwende’ is still under construction

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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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

Feb 27, 2023

One year later, Germany’s ‘Zeitenwende’ is still under construction

By Roderick Kefferpütz

While Germany has made progress, doubts remain about whether Chancellor Olaf Scholz is truly undertaking a structural and mentality change in foreign and security policy.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Feb 24, 2023

Experts react: How a year of war in Europe remade NATO, and what comes next

By Atlantic Council experts

The war has undeniably re-invigorated NATO. But just how much has changed? Our experts weigh in on the state of the Alliance and where allies should go from here.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Feb 24, 2023

How legal actions against Russian aggression in Ukraine can serve as a model for other conflicts

By Celeste Kmiotek, Lisandra Novo

There is an unprecedented number of investigations and accountability efforts under way in response to Russia's invasion. It's a sign of success—but it also shows how victims of international crimes have unequal access to justice.

Conflict European Union

New Atlanticist

Feb 24, 2023

The arsenal of democracy has hit a snag. Congress needs to step in.

By Thomas S. Warrick

Weapons deliveries to Ukraine are delayed because the Pentagon cannot process procurement contracts fast enough. Congress needs to get the defense industry on wartime footing.

Conflict Defense Industry

New Atlanticist

Feb 24, 2023

One year, eight world-changing numbers. Quantifying Russia’s war in Ukraine.

By Atlantic Council experts

Experts from across the Atlantic Council have drawn up the figures they believe best illustrate all the ways this war has shaken the world.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Feb 24, 2023

Russian War Report: DFRLab releases investigations on Russian info ops before and after the invasion

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

On the week of the one year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the DFRLab released two new reports on narratives tracked used to justify the war both pre- and post invasion.

Conflict Disinformation

New Atlanticist

Feb 23, 2023

The big questions (and answers) about Ajay Banga’s nomination to lead the World Bank

By Atlantic Council experts

What to know about the former Mastercard chief executive officer's surprise nomination to lead the World Bank.

Economy & Business Fiscal and Structural Reform

New Atlanticist

Feb 23, 2023

Zeiten-when? Scholz needs to stop standing in the way of Germany’s foreign-policy turning point.

By Noah DeMichele

The Zeitenwende is the chancellor’s brainchild, yet he has been its major roadblock. Scholz has habitually hesitated when faced with key decisions.

Conflict Defense Industry

New Atlanticist

Feb 23, 2023

Sanctions alone won’t defeat Russia in Ukraine. But they’re having a bigger impact than it might seem.

By Brian O’Toole, Daniel Fried

The Russian economy has begun to look like a leaky ship. All hands are on deck bailing it out, but at some point, they won’t be able to keep up.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Oil and Gas

New Atlanticist

Feb 22, 2023

<strong>What I heard in Munich: Four fears are holding the West back from quicker, bolder support for Ukraine</strong>

By Anna Wieslander

There is fear of escalation, fear of having Ukraine fully in the European family, fear of a defeated Russia, and fear of a defeated Ukraine.

Conflict Crisis Management

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