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 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 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

New Atlanticist

Oct 10, 2019

Turkey has legitimate security concerns, but must keep military incursion into Syria limited

By Matthew Bryza

Ankara is justified in trying to secure its border, Matthew Bryza argues, but must not get bogged down in a major military campaign.

Syria Turkey

New Atlanticist

Oct 9, 2019

How governments can use cyber tools irresponsibly to preserve power

By Safa Shahwan

The Kazakh case serves as an example of irresponsible cyber statecraft, when governments use cyberspace and technological tools to achieve specific political goals, placing the rights of citizens, as well as their political legitimacy, on the line.

Central Asia Cybersecurity

New Atlanticist

Oct 8, 2019

The United States needs Middle East partnerships, former US commander argues

By David A. Wemer

The United States must continue to build its systems of alliances and partnerships across the Middle East, but Washington's change of policy toward the Syrian Kurds "will make it more difficult to build partnership in the future," General Joseph Votel said.

Maritime Security Middle East

New Atlanticist

Oct 7, 2019

Toward digital power over states

By Thomas A. Campbell

Rapid advances in digital technologies amplify the potential for data acquisition from and influence over other states. One state aggressively pursuing digital advantage globally is China, especially in its leveraging of artificial intelligence (AI).

China Defense Technologies

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