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.

Amid Hong Kong sanctions, Washington takes aim at US-listed Chinese companies

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

Aug 14, 2020

Amid Hong Kong sanctions, Washington takes aim at US-listed Chinese companies

By GeoEconomics Center

On August 6, the Treasury Department’s Working Group on Capital Markets defined operational standards that Chinese firms must uphold to remain listed in New York. It is a reasonable and necessary measure to correct an abnormality—aiming to level the playing field in terms of compliance and to enhance investor protection.

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Aug 13, 2020

A rare strategic victory—for everyone except Iran

By William F. Wechsler

It’s been so long since the Middle East last experienced undeniably good news, that observers can be forgiven if they have difficulty recognizing it when it happens. But the “Abraham Accords” is indeed one of those moments.

Israel Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Aug 13, 2020

Will US-brokered agreement between UAE and Israel be a regional gamechanger?

By Atlantic Council

A US-brokered deal has seen Israel and the United Arab Emirates normalize relations for the first time in history. Atlantic Council experts discuss what the agreement means and what is next for the wider region:

Conflict Israel

New Atlanticist

Aug 13, 2020

Macron has the power to change the EU’s Hezbollah policy

By Jeremy Stern

Macron’s belief in France’s special responsibility to Lebanon is evident. If he wants to help the people suffering under Hezbollah there, Macron should follow the German example, and lead a ban of Hezbollah at home.

Conflict France

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Aug 13, 2020

Russia uses US data policy shortfalls to justify campaign against internet freedom

By Justin Sherman

A transcript of the meeting between Putin and his internet regulator shows, unsurprisingly, that the Kremlin continues using its rubber-stamped laws to justify internet censorship and control. But it also demonstrated the Kremlin’s growing desire to undermine the Western-led open democratic internet model.

Cybersecurity Internet

New Atlanticist

Aug 12, 2020

What got you here won’t get you there: To succeed in Cold War II, America needs to avoid the wrong lessons from Cold War I

By Christopher M. England and Sina Azodi

One danger today is that the history of Cold War will be misinterpreted, as if one or two major foreign policy initiatives will enable the United States to “contain” a rising China. Instead, the appropriate lesson is that nations stagnate when they cling to outmoded policies, while those that innovate can gain a renewed but temporary lease on life.

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Aug 11, 2020

Trump’s tariffs on Canada are about more than aluminum

By Marc L. Busch

Just five weeks after the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement (USMCA) went into force, the United States slapped a 10 percent national security tariff on aluminum from Canada, its closest ally. The dispute between the two countries has now dominated the trade relationship, but it has nothing to do with aluminum per se.

Trade and tariffs United States and Canada

New Atlanticist

Aug 11, 2020

Under second Tsai administration, Taiwan looks to champion global democracy

By Chang-Ching Tu

Taiwan’s priorities will be strengthening cooperation with allies, accelerated development of asymmetrical defense capabilities, and managing tense cross-strait relations.

Defense Policy Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Aug 11, 2020

Financial regulation in the face of COVID-19: Resilient but complex clockwork

By Emilie Bel

The COVID-19 outbreak has presented the financial system with its most challenging test since the global financial crisis ten years ago—and the system has held up.

Coronavirus Financial Regulation

New Atlanticist

Aug 7, 2020

Soldier, scholar, statesman: Remembering General Brent Scowcroft

By Barry Pavel and Matthew Kroenig

Many have walked the halls of power, but few are deserving of the title of statesman. General Brent Scowcroft embodied statesmanship and leaves a legacy that will survive his passing to shape US foreign and national security strategy and policy for generations to come. Indeed, the country and the world have lost an historic force for stability and security, a legendary strategist who ended the decades-long Cold War without a shot.

Defense Policy National Security

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