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.

First privacy, now data: The EU seeks a managed digital space

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 3, 2020

First privacy, now data: The EU seeks a managed digital space

By Frances Burwell

On February 19, the European Commission launched a major regulatory initiative aimed at creating a transformational digital economy in Europe. Given the close integration of the US and European Union (EU) economies—including in the digital sphere—this European initiative is likely to have a significant impact on US companies and consumers.

Digital Policy European Union

New Atlanticist

Mar 3, 2020

Coronavirus and the oil market: The effects thus far and what to expect next

By Reed Blakemore

The week of February 21 will be one the oil market won’t soon forget—one which exposed exactly how sensitive the prices are to the demand side of the market. Yet, while the possibility of a major supply correction remains in the cards, a longer-term correction to the oil price collapse of the past week will require a restoration of market confidence in economic growth and the future oil demand picture.

Coronavirus Energy Markets & Governance

New Atlanticist

Mar 3, 2020

Global policymakers move to shore up economy as coronavirus hits

By Atlantic Council

Global finance authorities are moving to show their willingness to support economies as data shows the risks of slowing growth. More companies signaled travel bans or other measures to limit social interaction, as they ramped up on home working and virtual meetings.

Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Mar 2, 2020

COVID-19 can trigger a global economic crisis: Time for the G20 to act

By Hung Tran

As the novel coronavirus crisis builds and threatens a global economic recession, and the need for global cooperation is most acute, it remains to be seen if world leaders can step up and provide effective leadership to mitigate the risk. Judging by the bickering and mistrust displayed in the past two months, it may take a while for such cooperation to materialize.

China Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

Mar 2, 2020

Coronavirus could spark global recession, OECD warns

By Atlantic Council

A leading international organization warned of the risks of global recession sparked by coronavirus. Earlier, stock markets had recovered after central bank announcements aimed at reassuring investors. More cases were confirmed globally, with a second death in the United States. Disruptions to business and travel increased.

Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy

Long Take

Feb 29, 2020

The Greater Caspian region: A new Silk Road, with or without a new belt

By Matthew Bryza

With the signing of a US-Taliban peace agreement, now might be a good time to look ahead to how Afghanistan might strengthen its economic connectivity with both its neighbors and more distant markets.

Afghanistan Central Asia

New Atlanticist

Feb 29, 2020

Agreement with the Taliban: What next?

By James B. Cunningham

The agreement is the best opportunity available for the beginning of discussions among Afghans of Afghanistan’s future, and of peace after decades of conflict. Even if it proves passable, the road to peace will be long and difficult, as indeed the path to today’s opening of the door to negotiations has been. No one should underestimate the difficulty of reaching a peace agreement and thus the need for time, patience, and persistence.

Afghanistan Conflict

New Atlanticist

Feb 28, 2020

Trump’s India visit: Limited success and cause for concern

By Trevor Cloen

President Donald J. Trump’s visit to India on February 24—the eighth of any US president—was widely lauded by domestic media in India and produced a series of small deals in arms, energy, and nuclear cooperation. The trip failed, however, to produce large or transformative agreements to advance the US-India strategic partnership, while laying bare troubling contradictions in the bilateral relationship.

India Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Feb 28, 2020

Global policymakers weigh options to slow coronavirus spread

By David A. Wemer

While researchers race to develop a vaccine for the disease, focus must turn to “non-pharmaceutical interventions,” such as “community distancing, community mitigation, school closure, and isolation of patients,” Thomas P. Bossert said on February 28. “Once the spread starts getting to 1 percent of the population, these non-pharmaceutical interventions, don’t work,” he explained.

East Asia Resilience

New Atlanticist

Feb 27, 2020

Tensions mount in Syria after strike on Turkish troops

By David A. Wemer

Atlantic Council experts respond to the airstrikes against Turkish soldiers in Idlib, as Russia and the Assad regime continue their collision course with Turkey in Syria.

Conflict Syria

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