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.

Defense Secretary unveils a new strategy for bolstering allies and partnerships in an era of great-power competition

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 20, 2020

Defense Secretary unveils a new strategy for bolstering allies and partnerships in an era of great-power competition

By David A. Wemer

As the United States prepares for long-term competition with adversaries such as China and Russia, the Department of Defense is unveiling new plans to strengthen America’s network of alliances and partnerships. “Our global constellation of allies and partners remain an enduring strength that our competitors and adversaries simply cannot match,” US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said during an Atlantic Council Front Page event on October 20.

China Defense Industry

New Atlanticist

Oct 19, 2020

From cyber to China, here’s what has former US national security advisors worried

By David A. Wemer

Whether current US President Donald J. Trump is re-elected or former Vice President Joe Biden becomes the next occupant of the White House, the next US president will be confronted with a growing challenge from China, the lingering danger of an assertive Russia, and a broad range of threats complicated by the proliferation of new technologies.

China National Security

AfricaSource

Oct 19, 2020

Sudan is removed from the terror list. Now what?

By Cameron Hudson

After twenty-seven years on the US State Sponsor of Terrorism list, President Trump today announced, via Twitter, that Sudan’s terror designation was at long last being removed. While many details of the deal struck between the Trump Administration and the transitional authorities in Sudan have yet to emerge, the announcement by itself should be welcomed as a major achievement for both Washington and Khartoum.

Africa Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Oct 16, 2020

The US government makes its big push for investment in Africa

By David A. Wemer

Buoyed by bipartisan commitment and a new government agency, the United States has taken new and significant steps to help drive investment in Africa, strengthen the region’s dynamic economies, create lucrative opportunities for US and African businesses, and advance US foreign-policy goals in the region.

Africa Inclusive Growth

New Atlanticist

Oct 15, 2020

COVID-19 and British unity

By John M. Roberts

The coronavirus crisis is straining British unity as officials in the North of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland clash with Boris Johnson's government over lockdowns and economic support measures.

Coronavirus Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Oct 15, 2020

Regional development banks play a critical role in COVID-19 response and recovery

By Nicole Goldin

As the pandemic calls into question the effectiveness of the global order and systems of economic and financial governance, the pivotal role of RDBs in improving billions of lives, bolstering markets, and strengthening economies should not be overlooked

Inclusive Growth International Financial Institutions

Elections 2020

Oct 15, 2020

Five big questions as America votes: NATO

By Transatlantic Security Initiative

Although US leadership will continue to be the driving force behind NATO’s strategy, direction, and solidarity going forward, the extent of the United States’ commitment to the Alliance and its future role is still being called into question.

Elections NATO

New Atlanticist

Oct 15, 2020

Why Pakistan’s TikTok ban is a bad sign for investors

By Kalsoom Lakhani

Banning content is different from banning platforms. In a conservative country like Pakistan, clear delineations around content standards not only guides players navigating this landscape, it also helps ease the risk of investors looking to operate in the country.

Digital Policy Inclusive Growth

New Atlanticist

Oct 14, 2020

Honoring global leaders and unsung heroes in a time of world crisis

By David A. Wemer

As the devastating global public health and economic crises of the coronavirus pandemic continue, the Atlantic Council took time on October 14 to celebrate two stewards of the global economy and a legendary performer and philanthropist for their leadership in helping their fellow global citizens.

Coronavirus Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Oct 13, 2020

Trouble underway: Seven perspectives on maritime cybersecurity

By Cyber Statecraft Initiative

With greater than 90 percent of all global trade tonnage transported by sea and vital global energy networks, maritime infrastructure has never been more essential and yet also more at risk.

Cybersecurity Internet

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