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.

Rising solar: Investing in Japan’s energy transition

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.

New Atlanticist

Oct 9, 2020

Rising solar: Investing in Japan’s energy transition

By Alexis Crow

The ability to invest in renewable energy assets in Japan—and thus to contribute to the country’s energy transition—also presents a significant opportunity for long-term capital from around the globe

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy Transitions

New Atlanticist

Oct 8, 2020

Kyrgyzstan gripped by political chaos again: What comes next?

By Eurasia Center

For the third time in fifteen years, citizens in Kyrgyzstan rose up in protest, as opposition groups took over government buildings amidst charges of vote rigging in the recent parliamentary elections. Atlantic Council experts respond to the recent instability in Kyrgyzstan and what it means for the region and the international community.

Central Asia Corruption

New Atlanticist

Oct 7, 2020

The time to address an emerging market crisis is before it hits

By Jeremy Mark and Vasuki Shastry

The global economy is too weak to wait for another full-blown financial crisis to erupt. Now is the time to anticipate solutions.

Coronavirus International Financial Institutions

New Atlanticist

Oct 7, 2020

The 5×5—Cybersecurity and the 117th Congress

By Simon Handler

Approximately eighty congressional committees and subcommittees claim jurisdiction over at least some dimension of cybersecurity policy. As the agenda for the coming years is only getting more crowded, Congress must improve its agility in order to pass meaningful cybersecurity legislation effectively.

Cybersecurity Disinformation

Elections 2020

Oct 6, 2020

Five big questions as America votes: The geopolitical impacts of technology

By GeoTech Center

Rapid developments in technology impact social, political, and economic issues both locally and globally. As the US presidential election nears, it is critical for Americans to consider the ways technology can both provide solutions and create challenges in the future.

Elections Internet

New Atlanticist

Oct 1, 2020

What an ‘October surprise’ from North Korea might actually look like

By Markus Garlauskas and Bruce Perry

If Kim offers up an “October surprise” this year, it probably won’t be the North Korean version of the fictional Soviet ballistic-missile submarine “Red October.” Instead, it may well come in the form of new missiles displayed on the streets of Pyongyang during the Party’s 75th anniversary parade.

Arms Control Conflict

Elections 2020

Oct 1, 2020

The surprise debate topic: Climate change

By Margaret Jackson

Chris Wallace unexpectedly deviated from his agenda to ask pointed questions about the science and economics behind each candidate’s respective climate plans, reflecting a recognition that, more so than in 2016, public pressure is forcing climate action to be a central issue in this year’s election.

Climate Change & Climate Action Elections

New Atlanticist

Oct 1, 2020

Feed the Future: After a decade of success, let’s make it better

By Daniel V. Speckhard

Feed the Future stands in the tradition of bipartisan foreign aid initiatives that have made a significant impact. Let’s seize this opportunity to improve the lives of even more families around the world by doubling down on our commitment to Feed the Future.

Resilience Resilience & Society

Elections 2020

Sep 30, 2020

How Pete Buttigieg sees the US restoring its credibility in the world

By David A. Wemer

“America cannot move forward in the way that we need to without cooperation with our partners and allies around the world,” Buttigieg maintained, especially with the pressing challenges of a rising China, climate change, and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Climate Change & Climate Action Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

Sep 30, 2020

Nepal in the face of intersectional crises: A history of mismanagement

By Capucine Querenet

Nepal’s poor governance track record—characterized by inadequate leadership after the 2015 earthquake, a divided ruling party, corruption and mishandling of funds by the government, and questionable governance practices by the prime minister—not only puts the population at a disadvantage in weathering the pandemic, but it also may deal additional blows to the country’s health and economic wellbeing.

Civil Society Coronavirus

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