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.

Experts react: As the ruling party’s Tinubu wins a contested election, what’s next for Nigeria?

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

Mar 1, 2023

Experts react: As the ruling party’s Tinubu wins a contested election, what’s next for Nigeria?

By Atlantic Council experts

What went wrong with election administration and what can Bola Tinubu do to win over his critics? Atlantic Council experts, one of whom served on the ground as an election monitor, weigh in.

Africa Democratic Transitions

TURKEYSource

Mar 1, 2023

One year into the war, it’s time for Turkey to reconsider its Ukraine-Russia balancing act

By Yevgeniya Gaber

With dim prospects for peace talks in the foreseeable future, now is the time for Turkey to unequivocally support Ukraine.

Conflict Defense Technologies

New Atlanticist

Feb 28, 2023

What we learned from the Russia-China-South Africa military drills

By Atlantic Council experts

Why did these three nations get together? What’s in it for South Africa? Our experts set sail with the answers.

Africa China

New Atlanticist

Feb 28, 2023

Mayors and governors will drive the future of North American economic integration

By Willow Fortunoff, Mary Ann Walker

Local leaders are forging ahead on initiatives that enhance North American economic collaboration. By excluding them from key international summits, national leaders are missing out on a big opportunity.

Civil Society Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Feb 27, 2023

Experts react: Will a new deal on Northern Ireland repair UK-EU relations?

By Atlantic Council experts

What would the deal mean for regional trade and diplomacy? What does it say about Sunak’s approach to foreign policy? Our experts ship off their answers.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Feb 27, 2023

How a fleet of private satellites can help secure the US military’s future

By Aidan Poling

The US military's satellites are "fat juicy targets." Working with commercial satellite owners on creating a reserve fleet will help the United States bolster itself against attacks.

Defense Technologies National Security

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

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