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.

Hopes dim for reformed Kyrgyzstan as new president consolidates power

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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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 28, 2020

Hopes dim for reformed Kyrgyzstan as new president consolidates power

By Andrew D’Anieri

"Kyrgyzstan stands at a dangerous crossroads," Noah Tucker says, "with leadership in parliament and the executive now firmly held by an unelected leader."

Central Asia Corruption

Elections 2020

Oct 28, 2020

Five big questions as America votes: Latin America

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Given its proximity to the United States, an economically vibrant and healthy Latin America is in the interest of the next US administration. Now, more than ever, it is important for the United States to lean in on Latin America as a strategic partner and continue growing its existing economic, social, and political ties for mutual benefit.

Coronavirus Democratic Transitions

Elections 2020

Oct 28, 2020

How to defeat Iranian and Russian cyber operations against the US election

By Thomas S. Warrick

Instead of offering general reassurances, the directors of national intelligence, the FBI, and cybersecurity should tell all Americans they have it in their power to hand Russia and Iran a strategic defeat. Vote early.

Cybersecurity Disinformation

New Atlanticist

Oct 27, 2020

Georgia’s parliamentary elections are surrounded by uncertainty

By Nino Ghvinadze and Laura Linderman

Amidst a global pandemic and the sudden escalation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between neighboring Armenia and Azerbaijan, Georgia is holding its first parliamentary elections since hard-fought electoral reforms were approved in June 2020 and several dramatic developments have increased uncertainty about the outcome.

Coronavirus Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Oct 27, 2020

DFC Caribbean trip demonstrates new US emphasis on region

By Vicki Assevero

Optimizing economic opportunity in our hemisphere remains the best bulwark against insecurity, illicit activities, and violence. The United States’ renewed interest in promoting commercial investment and opportunities are positive signs that real progress can be made in this vital region.

Caribbean Latin America

Elections 2020

Oct 26, 2020

Five big questions as America votes: Eurasia

By Eurasia Center

Easy answers to the Eurasia region have long eluded both a Trump administration and Vice President Biden when he served in the Obama administration—will an electoral victory now give the next US president the momentum needed to manage these foreign policy challenges?

Belarus Conflict

New Atlanticist

Oct 23, 2020

Experts react: Sudan and Israel reach historic peace agreement

By Atlantic Council

Sudan became the latest country to normalize its relationship with Israel on October 23, as an agreement between the two countries ended the official status of war between them. Atlantic Council experts react to the normalization between Sudan and Israel, and analyze what it means for both countries and the wider region.

Democratic Transitions Israel

New Atlanticist

Oct 23, 2020

Why Chile could be a canary in the coal mine for wealthy economies

By Daniel Payares-Montoya

While the new constitution could help jumpstart efforts to alleviate many of the inequalities in Chilean society, the struggle to get to this point should give caution to other countries that have left structural inequalities unaddressed.

Elections Inclusive Growth

Elections 2020

Oct 22, 2020

A razor’s edge between protection and protectionism

By Julia Friedlander

A central task for the next administration will be to create jobs and implement necessary protections for sensitive industries, while at the same time not trampling the free market principles that have made the United States the most powerful economy in the world.

European Union Inclusive Growth

New Atlanticist

Oct 22, 2020

Let them eat debt: The G20’s disappointing response to the pandemic in developing countries

By Vasuki Shastry and Jeremy Mark

On the crucial issue of support for poor countries struggling against the economic impact of the global pandemic, officials described meetings as memorable largely for displays of US-China tension, rather than policy substance.

Africa China

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