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: What the UN climate report didn’t say

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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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.

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 9, 2021

FAST THINKING: What the UN climate report didn’t say

By Atlantic Council

The report maps a path to avert planetary catastrophe if humans completely stop adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere by 2050. But is that even possible?

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

BelarusAlert

Aug 9, 2021

The new US sanctions on Belarus: Strong, but not enough

By Daniel Fried, Brian O’Toole

A reasonable set of targets, the sanctions are welcome news for the Belarusian opposition. But are they powerful enough to rattle President Lukashenka?

Belarus Eastern Europe

New Atlanticist

Aug 6, 2021

Don’t lose Afghanistan

By James Cunningham, Hugo Llorens, Ronald Neumann, Richard Olson, and Earl Anthony Wayne

Given the Taliban’s behavior lately, US President Joe Biden’s decision to rapidly withdraw US forces from Afghanistan appears increasingly questionable. It's time for a course correction involving redoubled efforts to support the Afghan security forces—particularly through airpower, which is immediately critical.

Afghanistan Conflict

New Atlanticist

Aug 5, 2021

Here’s what we’re reading this summer

By Andrew R. Marshall

Even in the depths of summer, our deeply thoughtful (and widely read) staff at the Atlantic Council keep their mental gears churning. Here are some summer reading suggestions from us for the beach, mountains, or backyard.

Civil Society Education

New Atlanticist

Aug 4, 2021

National Cyber Director Chris Inglis: We need to become a ‘harder target’ for our adversaries

By Katherine Golden

How do you strengthen an entire nation’s cyber defenses? That’s the task facing Inglis, who spoke about his priorities in his new White House role at the Atlantic Council.

Cybersecurity National Security

Fast Thinking

Aug 3, 2021

FAST THINKING: Dead activists, fleeing Olympians, and jailed journalists: Is this the new normal for Belarus?

By Melinda Haring, Doug Klain

Experts Melinda Haring and Doug Klain from the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center explain what's behind the regime's latest illegal actions abroad and discuss what's ahead for Lukashenka in Belarus as we approach the anniversary of the dictator's illegitimate reelection.

Belarus Corruption

Feature

Aug 2, 2021

South Asia midyear pause: Taking stock of 2021

By South Asia Center

South Asia will face crucial issues like human security, regional stability, economic prosperity, and the pandemic in the remainder of 2021. How should we understand the region's prospects as we embark on the second half of the year? Our South Asia experts weigh in.

Afghanistan Bangladesh

New Atlanticist

Jul 30, 2021

How the New Atlantic Charter can save the free world

By Daniel Fried, Ash Jain

To succeed, the Biden administration must bring on board other US allies and establish new institutions to turn these principles into action.

International Norms International Organizations

Fast Thinking

Jul 30, 2021

FAST THINKING: Will Facebook’s anti-extremism efforts actually work?

By Rose Jackson, Jared Holt

Following the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, social-media platforms are under pressure to address the extremist content circulating on their sites. But what exactly should social media's role be in intervening against extremism?

Disinformation

New Atlanticist

Jul 29, 2021

The US needs better tools to fight transnational repression. Here’s where to start.

By Gissou Nia

As autocrats reach beyond their borders to punish their opponents, the United States must meet the challenge by preparing effective, forward-thinking policy.

Human Rights International Organizations

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