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.

Afghanistan’s election a “genuine victory,” Afghan ambassador says

New Atlanticist Mar 6, 2025

How European leaders are responding to Trump’s approach to Ukraine and Europe

From London and Berlin to Paris and Brussels, European leaders have taken several notable steps this week on security. This follows the blow-up between the Ukrainian and US presidents on February 28.

New Atlanticist Feb 26, 2025

Why the US should not lift sanctions against Russia

By Charles Lichfield

Sanctions are having an unmistakable effect, albeit below the inflated expectations of many in the West in early 2022. Lifting them now would be a mistake.

Conflict Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist Mar 5, 2025

The Egyptian plan for postwar Gaza is a good starting point—but it needs changes

By Thomas S. Warrick

While many obstacles remain, the Egyptian proposal could form the starting point for negotiations over a workable plan for postwar Gaza.

Conflict Crisis Management

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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 17, 2019

Afghanistan’s election a “genuine victory,” Afghan ambassador says

By Jasper Gilardi

In Afghanistan's fourth election since the US invasion in 2001, and after eighteen years of war, nearly three million Afghan citizens took to the polls on election day despite continued attacks from the Taliban.

Afghanistan Elections

New Atlanticist

Oct 17, 2019

First female NATO number two hands over post amid Turkey crisis

By Teri Schultz

The highest-ranking woman in Alliance history talks about the crisis in Syria and the success in encouraging gender balance throughout NATO.

NATO Syria

New Atlanticist

Oct 15, 2019

Trump vs Erdoğan: It’s hard to bluff when your cards are on the table

By Brian O'Toole

It is hard to take seriously threats by the US government to ruin the Turkish economy when Trump himself gave this green light in the first place. Under such circumstances, sanctions have almost no chance of succeeding in putting this genie back in the bottle.

Economic Sanctions Syria

New Atlanticist

Oct 15, 2019

The true costs of withdrawing forces from Syria

By C. Anthony Pfaff

Getting the United States out of “endless wars” is an admirable goal. But military forces, trust among our partners, and standing firm in the face of adversaries play critical roles in reaching that goal. Getting those functions back in balance will be necessary in moving forward.

Conflict Syria

New Atlanticist

Oct 15, 2019

A final Brexit countdown?

By John M. Roberts

There’s a Brexit countdown in progress, but whether it’s counted in hours in order to end at midnight on October 16 or in days to end at midnight on Halloween is anybody’s guess.

European Union United Kingdom

New Atlanticist

Oct 15, 2019

How can the United States pick up the pieces of its Syria policy?

By David A. Wemer

Atlantic Council experts detail how Washington can manage the situation in Syria and prevent the US-Turkish relationship from spiraling out of control.

Conflict Syria

New Atlanticist

Oct 11, 2019

US-China trade war reaches a pause, but still a long way to resolution

By David A. Wemer

While the current trade war pause is good news for many concerned about a damaging escalation in tensions between two of the world’s most important economies, there remains a long road ahead before either Beijing or Washington is ready to fully commit to trade peace.

China Trade and tariffs

New Atlanticist

Oct 10, 2019

Transatlantic energy cooperation gains momentum at the second P-TEC ministerial

By Olga Khakova

The second ministerial hosted by the US Department of Energy and the Republic of Lithuania was a significant step towards turning discussions into tangible solutions.

Energy Markets & Governance Geopolitics & Energy Security

New Atlanticist

Oct 10, 2019

Climate investing: Is it sustainable?

By Alexis Crow

For the institutional investors and policy makers who have successfully implemented environmentally mindful and pro-growth policies at home, the transmission of these policies abroad is absolutely crucial, otherwise the clamoring for ESG is held within an exclusive—albeit environmentally sound—echo chamber, which fails to take root where it may be needed most.

Climate Change & Climate Action International Markets

Digital currencies

Oct 10, 2019

Breaking the buck: What Libra’s demise means for central banks

By Michael B. Greenwald

There is little evidence to suggest that Libra can address the needs of those without bank accounts. With its structure working against the benefits of a central bank digital currency, Libra is less of a call to action and more a solution in search of a problem.

Digital Currencies Financial Regulation

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