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.

US must remain committed to NATO and the Baltic States

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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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

Sep 8, 2020

US must remain committed to NATO and the Baltic States

By Sally A. Painter

The United States has profound interests in maintaining NATO and the sovereignty and security of the Baltic region. Now is the time for the United States to rise to this leadership role by deepening our commitment to NATO and supporting the Baltic countries to foster a strong and united transatlantic community.

NATO Northern Europe

New Atlanticist

Sep 8, 2020

Credit rating agencies could resolve African debt impasse

By Vasuki Shastry and Jeremy Mark

Credit rating agencies should offer a nuanced understanding of the unique needs of African nations. The G20 and global regulators have the power to persuade international investors that a little forbearance could save lives and livelihoods

Africa Financial Regulation

New Atlanticist

Sep 3, 2020

Navalny, Novichok, and Nord Stream II

By John M. Roberts

The attempted assassination of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny could prove to be the final nail in the coffin of one of Russia’s biggest energy projects: the €9.5 billion ($10.5 billion) Nord Stream II gas pipeline to Germany.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Germany

New Atlanticist

Sep 3, 2020

The ‘Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act’ may harm US tech leadership

By Tianjiu Zuo

There is certainly a case to be made for increased financial transparency from Chinese companies for the safety of US investors. But this may come at greater cost to US interests, with the United States becoming more discriminatory towards business, less competitive in emerging markets, and more susceptible to harmful economic retaliation.

China Financial Regulation

New Atlanticist

Sep 3, 2020

Can the US and Germany finally see eye to eye on China?

By Roderick Kefferpütz

After much too long a time, the political climate towards China and Russia is finally starting to change in Berlin. This is an opportunity for the United States and Germany to re-engage and turn Germany from a weak link in the transatlantic alliance to a reliable partner.

China Germany

New Atlanticist

Sep 1, 2020

Lifting the arms ban on the Republic of Cyprus is good policy, despite the timing

By Damon Wilson

A Republic of Cyprus that has more accurate radar, search-and-rescue capabilities, and maritime-surveillance equipment can be a better partner of the United States and other nations in the Eastern Mediterranean where we share common interests.

Crisis Management European Union

New Atlanticist

Aug 31, 2020

How to improve Afghanistan’s devastated maternal healthcare system amid COVID-19 and the peace process

By Shariq Farooqi

Developing a sustainable maternal healthcare system is an integral step to achieving transformative justice for Afghan women and for the development of Afghanistan’s social institutions amid the ongoing peace process.

Afghanistan Conflict

New Atlanticist

Aug 28, 2020

Experts react: The road ahead for Japan after Abe resigns

By Atlantic Council

"New Japanese leadership, combined with the outcome of the US presidential election, could be a game changer for geopolitics in Northeast Asia," Miyeon Oh says.

International Markets Japan

New Atlanticist

Aug 28, 2020

National Security Advisor says US must ‘confront the Chinese across all spectrums’

By David A. Wemer

US National Security Advisor Robert C. O’Brien said the United States must be prepared to push back against Chinese aggression militarily, diplomatically, and economically, asserting that China continues to threaten its neighbors and attack US interests.

China Indo-Pacific

New Atlanticist

Aug 27, 2020

Russia and Turkey may fill in the diplomatic vacuum on Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict

By Matthew Bryza

In the absence of US or EU leadership, it may be up to Turkey and Russia to redirect Azerbaijan and Armenia away from the battlefield and toward the negotiating table.

Conflict The Caucasus

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