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.

New York suburb faces containment zone; UK emergency rate cut

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

Mar 11, 2020

New York suburb faces containment zone; UK emergency rate cut

By Atlantic Council

Authorities plan to impose a containment zone around a New York suburb to contain a cluster of coronavirus cases, which have now surpassed 1,000 in the United States. The Bank of England made an emergency cut in interest rates in a bid to lessen the economic impact, while the Chinese city at the center of the outbreak started a gradual return to work.

Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mar 10, 2020

Ahead of Brazil’s municipal elections, novel legal requirements can elevate women’s participation in politics

By Valentina Sader

As the country prepares to hold municipal elections in October 2020, Brazil should aim to increase women’s political participation and learn from its fellow Latin American countries.

Brazil Elections

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mar 10, 2020

Venezuela’s democratization: Leading with women to achieve peace

By Cristina Guevara

In order for Venezuela to transition to a more democratic, inclusive, and peaceful society, the interim government must strengthen women's political participation and decision-making power.

Democratic Transitions Venezuela

New Atlanticist

Mar 10, 2020

Idlib presents Europe with another migration test

By David A. Wemer

"The case should be made for a partial reengagement of Europe towards Turkey," Ambassador Michel Duclos says. "A coalition of willing should help Turkey—especially in the field of counterterrorism—to assure an effective implementation of the Moscow agreement as the only way to avoid the above scenario of a reconquest of the region by Assad."

Conflict European Union

New Atlanticist

Mar 10, 2020

Modi’s canceled Bangladesh visit is an opportunity

By Ali Riaz

Recent demonstrations in Bangladesh against Modi’s visit speak volumes, literally and metaphorically. Instead of dismissing them as a conspiracy, both countries will be better served if their policymakers listen and take this opportunity to reassess their relationship and the domestic political environment in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Mar 10, 2020

Italy locks down whole country on coronavirus, New York cases rise

By Atlantic Council

Italy imposed a country-wide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus, imposing travel restrictions and a “stay home” order as carriers including British Airways suspended flights. Cases in New York overtook those in Washington and California, while China showed signs of a slowdown in infections.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mar 10, 2020

Colombia ¿Cómo vamos?: Women’s political and economic empowerment

By Camila Hernandez

Closing gender gaps in economic and political empowerment will move Colombia forward in its path toward sustainable development. Greater female participation in the economy and in politics will not only boost the country’s economy (by increasing productivity, diversifying the economy, reducing income inequality, increasing organizational effectiveness, among others), but will also contribute to more inclusive, democratic, and sustainable policies.

Colombia Women

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mar 9, 2020

The transatlantic relationship needs to reflect the Europe and United States of today

By Tim Rivera

The bottom line is that to ensure the future health and strength of the relationship for the next seventy years, the discourse and voices in the transatlantic space need to properly reflect the actual politics and demographics of Europe and the United States of today

NATO Resilience & Society

New Atlanticist

Mar 9, 2020

Time for the European Union to reassert itself in the UN Security Council

By Peter Pindják

Brexit has not only cost the European Union (EU) one of its members, but also a coveted permanent seat at the UN Security Council (UNSC). The UK and France often provided a reliable tandem for the European Union at the UNSC, but now London and Paris may start to diverge more prominently, since the UK is no longer obliged to coordinate its positions with EU member states through Article 34 of the Lisbon Treaty. To retain its influence and maintain its global geopolitical ambitions, the EU should look for another permanent seat on the UNSC.

European Union United Nations

New Atlanticist

Mar 9, 2020

Italy imposes “massive shock therapy”; Oil, stock markets tumble

By Atlantic Council

The number of cases of Coronavirus surpassed 110,000, while oil prices had their sharpest falls in almost thirty years, roiling stock markets worldwide. Italy imposed a lock-down of swathes of the wealthy north of the country, affecting 16 million people, in a bid to contain the spread of the virus.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

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