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.

FAST THINKING: The clock is ticking in Afghanistan

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.

Fast Thinking

Aug 25, 2021

FAST THINKING: The clock is ticking in Afghanistan

By Atlantic Council

Biden is sticking to his August 31 timeline for withdrawing all American troops from Afghanistan. How will the coming days play out?

Afghanistan Conflict

New Atlanticist

Aug 25, 2021

Why the US failure in Afghanistan won’t break NATO

By Michael John Williams

Europeans shouldn't draw narrow conclusions about the security risks they’ll face based on the botched Afghanistan withdrawal.

Afghanistan European Union

New Atlanticist

Aug 24, 2021

Could China become the Taliban’s new benefactor?

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou, Niels Graham

Beijing is eyeing major investments in Afghanistan—but it's up to the Taliban to ease its concerns about security.

Afghanistan China

New Atlanticist

Aug 23, 2021

David Petraeus: ‘The Taliban are about to be acquainted with a very harsh reality—that they are broke’

By Atlantic Council

General David Petraeus told the Atlantic Council that it is time to recognize a new reality and to move forward after Afghanistan. But, he says, the United States still has an opportunity to influence the Taliban.

New Atlanticist

Aug 23, 2021

They aren’t listed, but make no mistake: The UN has sanctions on the Taliban

By Brian O’Toole

As the militant group settles in to rule Afghanistan again, sanctions remain one of the only viable points of leverage for the international community. Here's what the UN's own rules say.

Afghanistan Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist

Aug 23, 2021

The coming storm for a post-Merkel EU

By Ana Palacio

No matter who succeeds Angela Merkel as German chancellor, EU leaders are going to have to start making real decisions.

European Union Politics & Diplomacy

Fast Thinking

Aug 20, 2021

FAST THINKING: Will the Kabul airlift succeed?

By Atlantic Council

How is this effort playing out? Where are Afghans going? What could go wrong? Our experts are here to get you ahead of this fast-moving story.

Afghanistan Conflict

New Atlanticist

Aug 20, 2021

Will digital money belong to democrats or despots?

By Arjun Bisen

As democracies engage in long and robust debates about the tradeoffs and risks of CBDCs, authoritarian governments continue to push forward with a simpler, centralized vision that strengthens their grip on power with significant geopolitical and human rights implications.

China Digital Currencies

New Atlanticist

Aug 19, 2021

What Washington owes the American people after its Afghanistan failure

By Christopher Preble

The discussion about what the United States should do in the aftermath of its war in Afghanistan should proceed in three phases: now, soon, and soon thereafter.

Afghanistan Conflict

Fast Thinking

Aug 19, 2021

FAST THINKING: Was the war worth it? Afghanistan’s former ambassador to the US, Roya Rahmani, weighs in

By Irfan Nooruddin

Long-time diplomat and steadfast women’s rights champion Roya Rahmani, Afghanistan's former ambassador to the United States, joins South Asia Center Director Irfan Nooruddin for a special episode of Fast Thinking to share her thoughts on whether the war in Afghanistan was worth it, the crucial role of women in the country's future, and how to evaluate the Taliban’s promises.

Afghanistan Education

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