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.

Sudan’s coup wasn’t a failure of US diplomacy. It was the dawn of a new era in Africa.

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.

Read More
Sudan’s coup wasn’t a failure of US diplomacy. It was the dawn of a new era in Africa.

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
Sudan’s coup wasn’t a failure of US diplomacy. It was the dawn of a new era in Africa.

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

Stay updated

Subscribe to our daily newsletter to receive the best expert intelligence on world-changing events

Explore our unique analysis

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

Markup

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

Read more

Content

New Atlanticist

Oct 29, 2021

Sudan’s coup wasn’t a failure of US diplomacy. It was the dawn of a new era in Africa.

By Cameron Hudson

In a context where Washington’s voice is diluted amid competing powers vying for influence in Africa, Sudan has emerged as the ultimate battleground.

Africa Democratic Transitions

AfricaSource

Oct 28, 2021

G20 leaders can rescue low-income countries by redistributing their IMF windfall

By Hippolyte Fofack

If the G20 enhances the impact of IMF Special Drawing Rights by sending them on to low-income countries, it could add up to a synchronized global recovery.

Africa Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

Oct 28, 2021

Expert briefing: What to watch at the G20

By Atlantic Council

Here's what to watch at this weekend's G20 summit.

Americas Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Oct 26, 2021

How Colin Powell was ahead of his time

By Andrew L. Peek

The Powell Doctrine would have been more at home in the next Republican administration than his own.

Defense Policy Security & Defense

Fast Thinking

Oct 25, 2021

FAST THINKING: What’s behind the coup in Sudan?

By Atlantic Council

What’s next for Sudan and the global partners in its state-building project? Our experts weigh in.

Crisis Management Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Oct 25, 2021

Sudan’s prime minister warned of a ‘failed state’ in 2019. Now he’s under arrest.

By Atlantic Council

Here's what Abdalla Hamdok told the Atlantic Council during a 2019 visit to Washington.

Africa Civil Society

Fast Thinking

Oct 22, 2021

FAST THINKING: Why climate change will wreak havoc on national security

By Atlantic Council

The White House, Pentagon, Department of Homeland Security, and Office of the Director of National Intelligence agree: Climate change poses a serious security threat. Here's what our experts say it really means.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Oct 22, 2021

The US needs to reinvent its alliances. Today’s threats demand it.

By Harry I. Hannah

When it comes to working with allies, business-as-usual won’t cut it anymore for the United States—especially in the face of growing Chinese and Russian competition.

Security & Defense Security Partnerships

New Atlanticist

Oct 22, 2021

Colin Powell’s glorious American journey

By Harlan Ullman

As a gentleman, Powell treated all people with great respect—no matter their rank or status.

Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense

New Atlanticist

Oct 20, 2021

US leaders laid down solid and sensible sanctions policy. Now they need to follow through.

By Daniel Fried, Brian O’Toole

The review is smart in addressing the true root causes of sanctions misuse without indulging in clichés such as that sanctions are overused or never work.

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business
Load More