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.

If the pandemic hit a year earlier, ‘we might not have been in the position to respond this fast,’ say BioNTech co-founders. Here’s why.

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.

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If the pandemic hit a year earlier, ‘we might not have been in the position to respond this fast,’ say BioNTech co-founders. Here’s why.

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
If the pandemic hit a year earlier, ‘we might not have been in the position to respond this fast,’ say BioNTech co-founders. Here’s why.

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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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.

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Our experts decipher and annotate major speeches and policy documents to break down big ideas and lay them out in plain language.

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New Atlanticist

Nov 8, 2021

If the pandemic hit a year earlier, ‘we might not have been in the position to respond this fast,’ say BioNTech co-founders. Here’s why.

By Atlantic Council

BioNTech co-founders Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci joined the Atlantic Council to talk about their pursuit to develop mRNA vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine, and how they work on common passions as a couple.

Coronavirus Resilience

New Atlanticist

Nov 7, 2021

The infrastructure bill is just the start. These Congress members are pushing to make climate action bipartisan.

By Katherine Golden

Severe weather events, the prospects for jobs, and youth activism are changing the political climate, lawmakers said at an Atlantic Council event at the COP26 summit.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

Fast Thinking

Nov 6, 2021

FAST THINKING: What will the infrastructure bill actually do?

By Atlantic Council

What does this soon-to-be law mean for the US economy and its place in the world? Our crack economics team is here to break down what matters.

Digital Policy Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Nov 4, 2021

Bending the Asia-Pacific coal curve is critical to taming climate change. COP26 is making progress.

By Robert F. Ichord, Jr.

Recent coal pledges are new examples of the type of cooperation with emerging and developing countries that will be necessary to curb emissions and help countries implement their national climate commitments.

Climate Change & Climate Action East Asia

Fast Thinking

Nov 4, 2021

FAST THINKING: China’s stunning military buildup

By Atlantic Council

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) could field one thousand nuclear warheads by 2030. What should the US do about it?

Arms Control China

New Atlanticist

Nov 3, 2021

Can innovation save the planet?

By Dan Peleschuk

Policy heavyweights Bill Gates and John Kerry and experts from the UAE and Kenya joined the Atlantic Council at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, to discuss the technological breakthroughs that can make a lasting impact on climate change.

Climate Change & Climate Action Eastern Europe

New Atlanticist

Nov 3, 2021

Celebrating the remarkable life of General Colin Powell

By Frederick Kempe

Colin Powell profoundly impacted the Atlantic Council and will continue to do so. Here's how.

Defense Policy National Security

Fast Thinking

Nov 3, 2021

FAST THINKING: Ethiopia is on the brink

By Atlantic Council

What moves does Abiy have left? What role is US policy playing? What other dominos may fall in the region? Our experts keep you ahead of the curve on this fast-moving story.

Africa Conflict

New Atlanticist

Nov 1, 2021

The G20 risks becoming a mini-UN. That’s a bad thing.

By Hung Tran

Endless discussion is slowly replacing swift action. Here's where last weekend's Rome summit came up short.

European Union G20

New Atlanticist

Oct 31, 2021

Experts react: Can COP26 negotiators sustain the momentum?

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts deliver insightful analysis on the COP26 developments that will matter most in the fight against climate change.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment
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