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.

From coronavirus to Mediterranean tensions, Italy has stepped up its diplomatic game during dramatic year, foreign minister says

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

Sep 10, 2020

From coronavirus to Mediterranean tensions, Italy has stepped up its diplomatic game during dramatic year, foreign minister says

By Francesco Bechis and Valeria Covato

Despite the many difficulties, Di Maio is confident that Rome has seized the moment and provided “new impulse to Italy’s international profile and credibility.”

China Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

Sep 10, 2020

Should trade be more strategic?

By Mark Linscott

The current approach by the Trump administration risks weaponizing international trade and ignoring valuable opportunities to both strengthen US commercial interests and further strategic objectives.

India Trade and tariffs

New Atlanticist

Sep 10, 2020

Celebrating the ‘impeccable integrity and unbounded courage’ of Brent Scowcroft

By Atlantic Council

On August 22, a memorial service was held to honor the life and legacy of General Brent Scowcroft. These are a collection of tributes from those who worked with Brent Scowcroft and knew him as a mentor and friend.

Elections 2020

Sep 9, 2020

The Indian American voter in 2020

By Safiya Ghori-Ahmad and Fatima Salman

Until 2016, the majority of the roughly 4 million Indian American voters skewed towards the Democratic Party, much has changed since the Obama years, including the presence of the Republican Party’s efforts with this demographic.

Elections India

New Atlanticist

Sep 8, 2020

Brexit and Ireland: Britannia waives the rules

By John M. Roberts

Is British Prime Minister Boris Johnson really putting the Northern Ireland peace agreement at risk, or is it just a ploy to improve the UK’s position in negotiating a post-Brexit trade agreement?

European Union Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Sep 8, 2020

The US should pursue a trade policy reset in South Asia

By Amber Jamil

The United States needs a reset on its trade policy in South Asia that focuses on the twin goals of supporting its potential partners in the region and providing tangible economic benefits back home.

India Macroeconomics

New Atlanticist

Sep 8, 2020

US must remain committed to NATO and the Baltic States

By Sally A. Painter

The United States has profound interests in maintaining NATO and the sovereignty and security of the Baltic region. Now is the time for the United States to rise to this leadership role by deepening our commitment to NATO and supporting the Baltic countries to foster a strong and united transatlantic community.

NATO Northern Europe

New Atlanticist

Sep 8, 2020

Credit rating agencies could resolve African debt impasse

By Vasuki Shastry and Jeremy Mark

Credit rating agencies should offer a nuanced understanding of the unique needs of African nations. The G20 and global regulators have the power to persuade international investors that a little forbearance could save lives and livelihoods

Africa Financial Regulation

New Atlanticist

Sep 3, 2020

Navalny, Novichok, and Nord Stream II

By John M. Roberts

The attempted assassination of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny could prove to be the final nail in the coffin of one of Russia’s biggest energy projects: the €9.5 billion ($10.5 billion) Nord Stream II gas pipeline to Germany.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Germany

New Atlanticist

Sep 3, 2020

The ‘Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act’ may harm US tech leadership

By Tianjiu Zuo

There is certainly a case to be made for increased financial transparency from Chinese companies for the safety of US investors. But this may come at greater cost to US interests, with the United States becoming more discriminatory towards business, less competitive in emerging markets, and more susceptible to harmful economic retaliation.

China Financial Regulation

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