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.

An opportunity for transformational leadership

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

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

Nov 11, 2020

An opportunity for transformational leadership

By Damon Wilson

In combining attributes such as decency and respect with political acumen and long-term relationships, Biden is well-positioned to cultivate bipartisan consensus and earn public support at home, while forging a new model of US leadership in a world that has become more reluctant to follow America’s lead.

Coronavirus Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Nov 11, 2020

Azerbaijan-Armenia peace deal could be the diplomatic breakthrough the region needs

By Matthew Bryza

The agreement not only ends one of the world’s longest standing conflicts, but also could catalyze other diplomatic and economic agreements that can restore peace, prosperity, and stability throughout the region.

Conflict Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

New Atlanticist

Nov 11, 2020

A new beginning: The case for incremental, confidence-building WTO reform

By Mark Linscott and Stephen Kho

Member countries should be realistic about what a new WTO director-general can actually accomplish, beyond a formal facilitating role. Forward movement on any front requires initiative from its key Members, developed and developing alike, to find common ground and make the hard decisions needed to bridge gaps.

Macroeconomics Trade and tariffs

New Atlanticist

Nov 10, 2020

Putin gains and loses from Armenia-Azerbaijan ceasefire deal

By John E. Herbst

The ceasefire deal has weakened Moscow’s position in the region, but it also served as a diplomatic victory for Putin, as Russian peacekeepers will enforce the agreement, and the United States remained on the sidelines.

Conflict Russia

New Atlanticist

Nov 10, 2020

¡Basta Ya! How pandemic-related corruption calls for a new social contract in Panama

By Cristina Guevara

In order for Panama to emerge from the pandemic with inclusive and sustainable growth, the country needs a new social contract that combats corruption and provides equal opportunities for everyone.

Corruption Latin America

Fast Thinking

Nov 10, 2020

Markets rebound, but what does that mean for America’s long-term economic recovery?

By Josh Lipsky, Julia Friedlander

In this first episode of the Atlantic Council’s new Fast Thinking series, Josh Lipsky and Julia Friedlander break down what the US market rebound will mean for the country’s long-term economic recovery (hint: let’s be cautious), the US elections, the imminent G20 finance meetings, and the future of global capitalism. Meet the experts

New Atlanticist

Nov 10, 2020

Eastern Europe’s pivotal run-off: Moldovans go to the polls again

By Andrew D’Anieri

While many are already looking to the January run-off elections in the US state of Georgia, another run-off looms in Eastern Europe. The Republic of Moldova is in the midst of a tightly contested presidential election colored by a frustrated electorate, foreign influence in its politics and economy, and rampant misinformation on social media.

Corruption Democratic Transitions

Fast Thinking

Nov 9, 2020

FAST THINKING: Trump fires his defense secretary

By Atlantic Council

Two days after losing his bid for re-election, President Trump has removed Mark Esper, whose run as defense secretary was marked in its final stages by his defiance of Trump—on the idea of sending US troops to quell protests against police brutality and even on the question of wearing masks during the pandemic. How will his departure contribute to the post-election tumult? And is his successor likely to push back against the president?

Defense Industry Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Nov 9, 2020

Biden will think globally to solve domestic issues. The post-COVID world will demand it.

By Erica Borghard

The president-elect’s commitment to looking for global solutions to common issues is all the more important as the United States faces a changed and more difficult global landscape.

Coronavirus International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Nov 9, 2020

The Biden administration can both look inward and provide leadership on the global stage

By Christopher Preble

Joe Biden’s victory could have far-reaching implications for America’s global role if he recasts US leadership in a new light. If the United States can demonstrate a capacity and will to tackle the most urgent challenges facing this country, it will be in a stronger position to work with others to solve global problems.

International Organizations Politics & Diplomacy

Share

Issue briefs and reports