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.

US missile defense can put a stop to the Middle East arms race

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

Oct 20, 2022

US missile defense can put a stop to the Middle East arms race

By Alex Elnagdy

Coupling missile-defense assistance with missile and bomb reductions can help the US break free of its short-sighted Middle East policies of the past.

Arms Control Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Oct 19, 2022

Putin’s energy war against Europe also targets the US. Here’s how Washington can fight back.

By Richard L. Morningstar, Joseph Webster

Washington can do more to mitigate this crisis by boosting crude oil supply, increasing cleaner gas production, and reforming the way it grants permits for new energy projects.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

New Atlanticist

Oct 18, 2022

How India’s new digital rules can demonstrate a commitment to good regulatory practices

By Mark Linscott

India has a chance to lay a path toward a free trade agreement with the United States if it handles sensitive digital rules the right way.

Digital Policy India

New Atlanticist

Oct 17, 2022

Experts react: Xi solidifies his power at China’s Communist Party Congress. What should the world take away?

By Atlantic Council experts

We asked our China watchers to explain how the world should read Xi Jinping's approach to the economy, Taiwan, and more.

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Oct 17, 2022

Stifling the press is stifling progress. Here’s how policymakers can intervene.

By Joseph Lemoine and James Storen

Today's decline in press freedom is nothing short of dangerous because of its concerning impact on other freedoms—and prosperity—in countries around the world.

Freedom and Prosperity Media

Fast Thinking

Oct 16, 2022

Reading between the lines of Xi’s party congress speech

By Atlantic Council

How should the world interpret his rhetoric about Taiwan? What was conspicuously absent from the speech? Our experts weigh in.

China Crisis Management

Ukrainian first responders attempt to quash a fire ignited by a Russian missile attack in Zaporizhzhia, October, 11, 2022. (Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine via Reuters Connect

New Atlanticist

Oct 14, 2022

Russian War Report: Russia escalates war by targeting cities across Ukraine

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Russia escalated its war against Ukraine this week with missile attacks and airstrikes on cities across the country, including the first serious attack in the capital Kyiv in months.

Conflict Digital Policy

New Atlanticist

Oct 12, 2022

Experts react: The hits and misses in Biden’s new National Security Strategy

By Atlantic Council experts

We put the call out to our experts from across the Atlantic Council: Does this document deliver? What does it get right and what’s missing?

Middle East National Security

New Atlanticist

Oct 12, 2022

The key to national progress is no longer GDP growth. It’s prosperity.

By Joseph Lemoine

Singular focus on GDP, and its role in shaping economic and political decisions, is outdated. It is time for developed countries to undergo a massive narrative change.

Economy & Business Freedom and Prosperity

New Atlanticist

Oct 11, 2022

Your expert guide to China’s 20th Party Congress

By Atlantic Council experts

The once-in-five-years event is slated not only to further cement Xi Jinping's rule but also to have impact on a number of policy areas, from China's economy to its relationship with the Global South.

China Climate Change & Climate Action

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