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.

How Joe Biden can put US-Turkey relations back on track

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.

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Dec 3, 2020

How Joe Biden can put US-Turkey relations back on track

By Pinar Dost and Grady Wilson

Turkey and the United States need to work to establish a fresh dialogue, compromise on their outstanding issues, and prepare the way for an active and beneficial partnership in the future.

Elections Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Dec 3, 2020

Reconciling ends and means in US national security

By Christopher Preble

The next National Defense Strategy should recognize that the American people’s unwillingness to spend considerably more money on the military necessitates a serious reconsideration of what is needed to secure the nation’s truly vital interests

Defense Policy National Security

New Atlanticist

Dec 3, 2020

From warriors to peacekeepers: What the future holds for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces

By Tamim Asey

The eventual outcome of talks will determine whether the ANDSF is focused on protecting the state against its internal and external enemies, or is charged with resisting a renewed Taliban regime.

Afghanistan Conflict

Fast Thinking

Dec 2, 2020

FAST THINKING: Iran sends a message

By Atlantic Council

Now we know how Iran will respond to the assassination of its top nuclear scientist: with an ultimatum to the Biden administration. Tehran enacted a law today to immediately ramp up uranium enrichment—and to expel international nuclear inspectors if US sanctions aren’t lifted by early February, right after Joe Biden takes office. What does the move mean?

Elections Iran

Seizing the advantage

Dec 2, 2020

America’s fleeting second-mover advantage is here

By Matthew R. Crouch

Though Chinese initiative has upset the status quo, their first move clarifies their vulnerabilities and exposes potential effective counterweights. By acting promptly to exploit these opportunities, the United States can take the second-mover advantage.

China Coronavirus

Fast Thinking

Dec 2, 2020

FAST THINKING: NATO’s 138-point plan for survival

By Atlantic Council

This week’s summit of NATO foreign ministers featured the release of an internal report on what it can do to stay relevant over the next decade. The study comes as the Alliance aims to recover from the drift of the Trump era and grapple with new challenges from Russia and China.

Elections International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Dec 1, 2020

ECB President outlines her plans for overcoming the second wave of economic damage from COVID

By David A. Wemer

Although lockdowns are beginning to ease across Europe after a brutal second wave of coronavirus infections in October and November, governments need to prepare for a second economic hit, Christine Lagarde said on December 1.

Coronavirus Digital Policy

Fast Thinking

Nov 30, 2020

FAST THINKING: A speed read on Team Bidenomics

By Atlantic Council

Joe Biden has selected a slate of economic advisers that just might please his party while also (mostly) surviving confirmation in a potentially Republican-controlled Senate.

Economy & Business Elections

New Atlanticist

Nov 30, 2020

Can China’s digital yuan really challenge the dollar?

By Hung Tran

The DCEP will certainly bolster the Renminbi’s international position, but the weaknesses in China’s financial markets will prevent the Chinese currency from dethroning the US dollar anytime soon.

China Digital Currencies

New Atlanticist

Nov 27, 2020

What the assassination of a nuclear scientist means for Iran’s nuclear showdown with the US and Israel

By Holly Dagres

The assassination of an Iranian scientist has struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear program and exposed the vulnerabilities of the Islamic Republic, which failed to protect one of its most valuable assets.

Conflict Iran

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