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.

After the Khashoggi report: How the US can respond and avoid blowback

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

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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

Feb 26, 2021

After the Khashoggi report: How the US can respond and avoid blowback

By Kirsten Fontenrose

There is a wide array of options available to the United States as a response to the Khashoggi report. But some carry more potential for blowback than others. When assessing the range of options, the Biden administration should choose those that mitigate the negative impact on long-term US interests.

Middle East Saudi Arabia

New Atlanticist

Feb 26, 2021

How to deploy economic tools against Putin’s aggression

By Brian O’Toole, Daniel Fried

Life doesn’t wait for any administration—and neither will Putin. Here's how the US government can deploy sanctions and other tools of economic statecraft as part of a broader Russia policy.

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business

Forward Defense and Seizing the Advantage

Fast Thinking

Feb 26, 2021

FAST THINKING: Biden’s first bombing

By Atlantic Council

What does the strike signal about Joe Biden’s simultaneous efforts to re-engage Iran in talks to revive their nuclear deal? And what does it suggest about how the president will approach military action and the American presence in the Middle East?

Iran Nuclear Nonproliferation

New Atlanticist

Feb 25, 2021

The world’s wealthy countries are at risk of a moral default

By Vasuki Shastry and Jeremy Mark

Rich countries must live up to their pledges by getting specific about the resources they’re making available to low-income countries—particularly in Africa—to deal with the economic downturn and rising debt. The meeting of G20 finance ministers on February 26 will provide an opportunity to fill in the policy blanks.

Africa Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Feb 24, 2021

Josep Borrell outlines the EU’s priorities in a multipolar world

By Larry Luxner

“Today we’re in a multipolar world and [the EU will] have to look outwards because the problem is no longer among us; it’s among us and the rest of the world," Josep Borrell told the Atlantic Council. The problems ahead: the pandemic, Russia, China, and more.

China European Union

Seizing the advantage

Feb 19, 2021

How the next National Defense Strategy can get serious about emerging technologies

By Justin Sherman, Evanna Hu

US adversaries including China, Iran, and Russia are investing in additional technological capabilities to counterbalance the United States’ advantages in great-power competition—specifically its dominance in kinetic operations and weapons. The next NDS must differentiate among different technologies to create more nuanced strategies.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Feb 19, 2021

Colombia is pioneering a new model for integrating migrants and refugees. Will it work?

By Camila Hernandez

Colombian President Iván Duque announced that he will grant temporary protection status to Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Colombia. It is a herculean task, and the country will encounter two major challenges.

Colombia Latin America

New Atlanticist

Feb 19, 2021

How Janet Yellen can help deliver the digital dollar

By Josh Lipsky, JP Schnapper-Casteras

What precisely will the US Treasury Department do about the rise of digital currencies? Secretary Yellen and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell should quickly harness the potential of these evolving financial tools, including a US-backed digital dollar.

Digital Currencies Digital Policy

New Atlanticist

Feb 19, 2021

Recovering from COVID-19: Can India’s 2021 Union Budget rise to the challenge?

By South Asia Center

The Indian government recently announced a new budget aimed at providing a major boost to healthcare and infrastructure development. Here's how Atlantic Council experts are assessing the budget.

Economy & Business India

New Atlanticist

Feb 19, 2021

US-Greece relations in the Biden era: Why the road to rebuilding the transatlantic alliance runs through Athens

By George Pagoulatos and Katerina Sokou

The United States should deepen its strategic engagement with Greece to jointly address challenges posed by competition among global and regional powers.

Energy & Environment European Union

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