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.

Adding an Ishmael Track to the Abraham Accords: How to pursue détente between Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE

New Atlanticist Mar 6, 2025

How European leaders are responding to Trump’s approach to Ukraine and Europe

From London and Berlin to Paris and Brussels, European leaders have taken several notable steps this week on security. This follows the blow-up between the Ukrainian and US presidents on February 28.

New Atlanticist Feb 26, 2025

Why the US should not lift sanctions against Russia

By Charles Lichfield

Sanctions are having an unmistakable effect, albeit below the inflated expectations of many in the West in early 2022. Lifting them now would be a mistake.

Conflict Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist Mar 5, 2025

The Egyptian plan for postwar Gaza is a good starting point—but it needs changes

By Thomas S. Warrick

While many obstacles remain, the Egyptian proposal could form the starting point for negotiations over a workable plan for postwar Gaza.

Conflict Crisis Management

Stay updated

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.

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 29, 2021

Adding an Ishmael Track to the Abraham Accords: How to pursue détente between Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE

By Kirsten Fontenrose

Most Middle East observers thought that they would never see normalization between Arabs and Israelis in their lifetimes. Now that we have seen this step taken—this chasm jumped—there is no reason not to envision Arab-Iranian normalization if the regimes prioritize long-term national interests like their economies, their self-sufficiency, and the future well-being of their publics. This roadmap is theirs for the taking.

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

Fast Thinking

Apr 29, 2021

FAST THINKING: Biden’s challenge to China and Congress

By Atlantic Council

President Joe Biden described an array of challenges at home and abroad during a speech to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday to mark one hundred whirlwind days in office. To a socially distanced hall of masked dignitaries, Biden staked out ambitious domestic plans and placed them in the frame of broader competition with China to “win the 21st century.”

Climate Change & Climate Action Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

Apr 28, 2021

Serbian president pursues EU membership, better US ties, and a bigger role in the Balkans

By Larry Luxner

Speaking with the Atlantic Council, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić talked about Serbia's vaccine diplomacy, economic performance, relations with Kosovo, and more.

Coronavirus Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Apr 25, 2021

Climate diplomacy can help turn action into results: UAE minister

By Larry Luxner

Al Jaber, the United Arab Emirates’ minister of industry and advanced technology, reflected on the connection between climate partnerships and economic results.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Apr 23, 2021

Hope amid a ‘window of uncertainty’ for Afghanistan

By Larry Luxner

“The Taliban have a choice to make at this time; they can, in fact, be pragmatic or they can be permanent pariahs,” former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said at the launch of the "Transatlantic charter on Afghan sovereignty, security, and development."

Afghanistan Conflict

Fast Thinking

Apr 23, 2021

FAST THINKING: Why India’s proposed crypto ban could hurt innovation

By Nitya Biyani, Nikhil Raghuveera

As digital currency grows in popularity and blockchain technology grows in influence, governments are facing the challenge of governing the unregulated market while establishing their own regulated alternatives.

Digital Currencies India

New Atlanticist

Apr 21, 2021

A world apart: How wealthy nations can strengthen the COVID safety net

By Jeremy Mark and Vasuki Shastry

The international community has delivered important progress in combating the impact of COVID-19, but much more is needed to assist low-income countries. While the IMF's Special Drawing Rights are a good start, G20 nations must help restructure the debts of developing nations and fund vaccine distribution.

Africa China

New Atlanticist

Apr 21, 2021

Is the US-China strategic competition a cold war?

By Hung Tran

There has been a renewed debate on whether the heightened tension between China and the United States should be called a new cold war.

China Economy & Business

Fast Thinking

Apr 20, 2021

FAST THINKING: After the death of its president, Chad is on the brink

By Atlantic Council

After three decades in power, Chadian President Idriss Déby was killed following clashes with insurgents, state media announced Tuesday. What’s next for the country after the fall of its long-ruling autocrat?

Africa Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Apr 20, 2021

The new challenge for NATO: Securing a climate-changed world

By Ahmet Uzumcu, Tacan Ildem, and Fatih Ceylan

Allied countries are becoming increasingly aware of the nexus between climate change and security. But there is so much more work to be done in this field—and NATO should set an example in achieving it.

Climate Change & Climate Action NATO

Share

Issue briefs and reports