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.

Afghan power sharing deal breaks Kabul’s political impasse and raises hope for unity

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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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

May 18, 2020

Afghan power sharing deal breaks Kabul’s political impasse and raises hope for unity

By South Asia Center

With the tentative peace deal under fire, continuing havoc wreaked by the COVID-19 pandemic, and a looming US troop withdrawal, the breakthrough in the Afghan government’s political deadlock which emerged on May 15 will undoubtedly be welcomed by many in Afghanistan and the international community.

Afghanistan
Conflict

New Atlanticist

May 18, 2020

India’s new COVID MSME package: Critical assistance or symbolic gesture?

By Ketki Bhagwati

The plan's centerpiece, the loan guarantee program, which transfers the full liability of loan losses of eligible borrowers to the exchequer, however, appears ill-conceived at a time when the government is scrambling to contain the fiscal deficit. Structuring the program to cover the credit and performance risks of MSME loan portfolios of financial institutions through risk participation or risk sharing would have been a wiser choice for the government.

Coronavirus
India

New Atlanticist

May 18, 2020

Partial Eurobond not the answer to Europe’s coronavirus economic downturn

By Bart Oosterveld

Some have argued that a partial Eurobond instrument, backed for example by France, Italy, and Spain, could be set up as a risk sharing and/or solidarity tool to partially finance the recovery out of the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. This is a truly awful idea as such an instrument would deliver none of the potential benefits of a Eurobond, while simultaneously creating asymmetric risks on capital markets.

Coronavirus
European Union

New Atlanticist

May 15, 2020

Iran to remain key energy source for Iraq, says former electricity minister Luay Al-Khatteeb

By Larry Luxner

“The only available option we have at the moment right now is Iran—and let’s be frank. I couldn’t care less as a client from the receiving end about whether this molecule of gas comes from Iran or Saudi Arabia. What really matters to me is that this gas is competitive pricewise, can be delivered as soon as possible, and meets my volume demands," said Luay Al-Khatteeb

Energy Markets & Governance
Iran

New Atlanticist

May 15, 2020

Income inequality and life after coronavirus: Flattening the spread

By Alexis Crow

This will be a “crisis wasted” if we do not acknowledge and instill the principles of solidarity and subsidiarity, the dignity of work, and the recognition that each person matters and has something unique to contribute to society.

Coronavirus
Future of Work

New Atlanticist

May 14, 2020

Investor, philanthropist David Rubenstein analyzes where post COVID-19 world is headed

By Larry Luxner

Rubenstein predicted the US economy will continue shrinking “for at least six months, maybe nine months, or maybe even longer.” Yet one consequence of that is an explosion of national debt in order to help the American people through the current crisis.

Coronavirus
Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

May 14, 2020

Iran’s stock market: Growth in the midst of a recession?

By Sara Bazoobandi

Given the overall economic conditions in Iran (i.e. low growth, production and consumption) maintaining the growth of the stock exchange will be challenging both for the companies and the government.

Economic Sanctions
International Markets

New Atlanticist

May 14, 2020

Can India make an opportunity out of crisis?

By Ajay Chhibber

India is between a rock and a hard place. The lockdowns have not reduced the increase in coronavirus spread and its economy has cratered. Modi's new stimulus package is intended to save lives and livelihoods and reset the economy. But, if it will be enough will depend on what it contains and more importantly on how it is implemented.

Coronavirus
Inclusive Growth

New Atlanticist

May 13, 2020

Poland divided over elections and COVID restrictions

By Tomasz Zalewski

Poland has begun to ease its COVID lockdown, but Poles remain unsure if the benefits of reopening outwweigh the potential costs.

Coronavirus
Elections

New Atlanticist

May 13, 2020

Forging national renewal from the wreckage of coronavirus

By John Raidt

As we mourn the lives lost from pandemic, the United States is presented with a new and profound national mission—to emerge from crisis better and stronger. Perhaps the lessons learned and reforms spurred by COVID-19 can help unify the nation and make our public institutions more cohesive, functional and agile, propelling American excellence in this still young century. Perhaps history may even record that seizing this opportunity prevented disasters more destructive than coronavirus.

Coronavirus
Resilience & Society

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