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.

Russian War Report: Kremlin claims Bucha massacre was staged by Ukraine

New Atlanticist Mar 6, 2025

How European leaders are responding to Trump’s approach to Ukraine and Europe

From London and Berlin to Paris and Brussels, European leaders have taken several notable steps this week on security. This follows the blow-up between the Ukrainian and US presidents on February 28.

New Atlanticist Feb 26, 2025

Why the US should not lift sanctions against Russia

By Charles Lichfield

Sanctions are having an unmistakable effect, albeit below the inflated expectations of many in the West in early 2022. Lifting them now would be a mistake.

Conflict Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist Mar 5, 2025

The Egyptian plan for postwar Gaza is a good starting point—but it needs changes

By Thomas S. Warrick

While many obstacles remain, the Egyptian proposal could form the starting point for negotiations over a workable plan for postwar Gaza.

Conflict Crisis Management

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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.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy speaks as he is surrounded by Ukrainian servicemen as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Bucha, outside Kyiv, Ukraine, April 4, 2022. REUTERS/Marko Djurica

New Atlanticist

Apr 4, 2022

Russian War Report: Kremlin claims Bucha massacre was staged by Ukraine

By DFRLab

Civilians have been found dead, many with their hands bound and simply left on the street, in Bucha. Despite the evidence, the Kremlin is trying to cover it up through disinformation and confusion.

Belarus Disinformation

Fast Thinking

Apr 4, 2022

FAST THINKING: How will the West punish Russia for its war crimes?

By Atlantic Council

Gruesome images of murdered Ukrainian civilians—evidence of apparent Russian war crimes uncovered in Bucha and other newly liberated towns outside of Kyiv—have shocked the world.

Conflict European Union

An eyewitness captures video of military helicopters approaching Belgorod, Russia. (Source: @UAWeapons/archive)

New Atlanticist

Apr 1, 2022

Russian War Report: Videos appear to show missiles striking Russian oil depot

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Video surfaced showing a possible attack on a Russian oil depot in Belgorod. Elsewhere, a Russian official threatened Azerbaijan with nukes.

Belarus Conflict

New Atlanticist

Apr 1, 2022

Biden has laid out a new vision for democracies to succeed. Here’s how to implement it.

By Ash Jain

Winning the struggle against autocracy won't be easy. But unless the world’s leading democracies are strategically aligned and committed to act in the long term, success may prove elusive.

China Conflict

New Atlanticist

Apr 1, 2022

Policy memo: Four ways to send money and aid to Afghanistan

By Julia Friedlander, Mrugank Bhusari

Now that the international community has pledged billions for Afghanistan, it is time to consider creative financial tools that can effectively deliver these funds to those who need them most.

Afghanistan Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist

Apr 1, 2022

In Ukraine, I’ve seen the impossible become possible. The West hasn’t grasped that yet.

By Dan Peleschuk

Atlantic Council editor Dan Peleschuk reflects on what it's like watching stark realities unfold—and why policymakers should act now.

European Union Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Mar 30, 2022

Russia Crisis Military Assessment: Russia is forced to make a major shift in strategy

By Atlantic Council military fellows

The main Russian effort is now in the Donbas, where Russia will continue to send reinforcements and resupply in the hope of building on (and consolidating) small gains on the ground.

Conflict NATO

A Russian tank spotted in southern Belarus. (Source: @tendar/euroradio)

New Atlanticist

Mar 30, 2022

Russian War Report: Contradictory reports of Russian vehicles returning to Belarus

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Russian forces seen returning to Belarus, Telegram channels undermining peace talks with Ukraine, and how Russians continue using banned social media.

Belarus Conflict

New Atlanticist

Mar 30, 2022

Central Europe leads the way in backing Ukraine. Here’s its game plan for what’s next.

By Petr Tůma

The European Union’s eastern members have an opportunity to prove their political and diplomatic mettle—and they're seizing it.

Central Europe Eastern Europe

Event Recap

Mar 29, 2022

German defense minister: ‘We cannot look away or stand apart’ on Ukraine

By Brian McGee

Germany is committed to stepping up in global efforts to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia, German Minister of Defense Christine Lambrecht said at an Atlantic Council Front Page event.

Conflict Crisis Management

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