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.

Zelenskyy wants Ukraine to be ‘a big Israel.’ Here’s a road map.

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

Apr 6, 2022

Zelenskyy wants Ukraine to be ‘a big Israel.’ Here’s a road map.

By Daniel B. Shapiro

By adapting their mindset to mirror aspects of Israel’s approach to security challenges, Ukrainian officials can tackle their own critical challenges with confidence.

Civil Society Israel

New Atlanticist

Apr 5, 2022

How the world’s parliaments can team up against Russian aggression

By Francis Shin and Riho Terras

An interparliamentary alliance against Kremlin aggression would maximize global efforts to coordinate sanctions and keep the pressure on Moscow.

Corruption Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Apr 4, 2022

Can crypto deliver aid amid war? Ukraine holds the answer.

By Ananya Kumar, Nikhil Raghuveera

Ukraine’s current experience could transform how aid is disbursed across the world.

Civil Society Digital Currencies

New Atlanticist

Apr 4, 2022

Two weeks that shook Kharkiv: A geographic tour of Russia’s attacks on civilian neighborhoods in Ukraine’s second-largest city

By Michael J. Sheldon, Andy Carvin

The Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) documented and geolocated more than 140 videos from Kharkiv over a two-week period, recording dozens of incidents in which Russian firepower devastated the city’s neighborhoods.

Disinformation Russia

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 Economy & Business

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

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