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.

Experts react: Sudan and Israel reach historic peace agreement

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 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

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

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