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.

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

Dec 22, 2022

<strong>Rishi Sunak needs to do away with caution to deliver on his promise of evolutionary foreign policy</strong>

By James Batchik

With Russia’s upending of Europe’s security and the geopolitical shift toward the Indo-Pacific, the UK prime minister needs to offer more if Britain is to be a partner of first resort.

Europe & Eurasia International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Dec 22, 2022

Why Ecuador’s president announced his re-election plans in Washington

By Isabel Chiriboga

At an event co-hosted by the Atlantic Council at the Inter-American Dialogue, Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso announce his plans to run for re-election in 2025—and hinted that Washington could be a useful campaign ally.

Americas Economy & Business

Fast Thinking

Dec 21, 2022

Zelenskyy gets a Washington embrace. Will he also get more weapons?

By Atlantic Council

Zelenskyy came armed with a thank you for the billions of dollars in aid and materiel the United States has sent, and a subtle request for more. Will he get the rest of his wish list?

Conflict Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Dec 21, 2022

<strong>Pakistan’s foreign minister pitches more global aid and investment—and ‘less chaos’</strong>

By Nick Fouriezos

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari spoke at an Atlantic Council Front Page event in Washington about how the international community can help Pakistan tackle its challenges.

Climate Change & Climate Action Economy & Business

Experts react

Dec 21, 2022

Experts react: The lasting impact of Zelenskyy’s Washington visit

By Atlantic Council experts

What are the stakes for Zelenskyy, Biden, and Congress—and what does the Ukrainian president want the American people to know? Here's your expert guide.

Conflict Defense Technologies

New Atlanticist

Dec 19, 2022

As China’s influence grows, Biden needs to supercharge trade with Ecuador

By Isabel Chiriboga

Monday's White House meeting between Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso and US President Joe Biden is a golden opportunity to push mutually beneficial trade talks.

Americas China

Ukrainian soldier with his weapon in a wooden cottage near the Donbas frontlines, Donetsk. (Source: Celestino Arce/NurPhoto via Reuters Connect)

New Atlanticist

Dec 16, 2022

Russian War Report: Fierce fighting in Donetsk despite the onset of winter

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

While many had hoped Winter would slow the fighting in Ukraine, the conflict has continued and, in some cases including in Donetsk, intensified.

Conflict Drones

New Atlanticist

Dec 15, 2022

By the numbers: The global economy in 2022

By GeoEconomics Center

To make sense of a shocking year for the global economy, our GeoEconomics Center experts take you inside the numbers that mattered this year.

Digital Currencies Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Dec 15, 2022

It’s official: The United States is developing a bank-to-bank digital currency

By Josh Lipsky, Ananya Kumar

The New York Federal Reserve’s latest project shows the United States making its presence felt in the digital-currency race.

Digital Currencies Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Dec 14, 2022

How will the EU tackle its crises? Here is your briefing ahead of the European Council meeting.

By Noah DeMichele and Kristen Taylor

The leaders will face a demanding agenda of the biggest issues confronting Europe, like support for Ukraine and trade disputes with the United States.

Economy & Business European Union

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