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 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

Sep 24, 2019

Rouhani’s plan a reason to be hopeful?

By Kirsten Fontenrose

Rouhani's proposal for peace will be rejected as outlandish, but it is a sign that Tehran may recognize that its attack on Abqaiq was an overstep.

Conflict
Iran

Global Citizen Awards

Sep 23, 2019

Atlantic Council celebrates ten years of global citizens making a difference

By David A. Wemer and Jasper Gilardi

An evening dedicated to celebrating the individuals who have helped drive positive change in their societies and embody the commitment to international cooperation that underpins the Atlantic Council’s mission.

Climate Change & Climate Action
Resilience

Global Citizen Awards

Sep 23, 2019

The transatlantic bond must be protected, Dutch prime minister says

By David A. Wemer

These temporary disagreements between allies should not distract either side of the Atlantic from the fundamental importance of the relationship and international cooperation, according to Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte.

European Union

Global Citizen Awards

Sep 23, 2019

Chilean president calls for action to combat climate change: “The time is now”

By David A. Wemer

Protecting “our nature, our biodiversity, and our planet is not only an environmental obligation” but a "moral obligation," Presdent Piñera argued.

Climate Change & Climate Action
Latin America

New Atlanticist

Sep 23, 2019

DHS’s new counterterrorism strategy calls out white supremacism, but will need resources and support

By Thomas S. Warrick

The new strategic framework is the first in the Trump administration to call out white supremacism as a major domestic terrorism threat but will need support from the White House and Congress to succeed.

Extremism
Terrorism

New Atlanticist

Sep 20, 2019

Iranian central bank designation: What does it mean?

By Brian O'Toole

The only appreciable impact of the September 20 designation will be to further impair the delivery of food and medicine to the Iranian people, who are already struggling to get needed supplies and to antagonize US partners around the globe.

Economic Sanctions
Iran

New Atlanticist

Sep 20, 2019

How to make a lasting regime change: A guide for aspiring (democratic) reformers

By Jakub Wiśniewski

Why did the Central Europeans succeed when so many efforts at regime change from within failed – ending in tears, bitter disappointment or bloodshed?

Central Europe
Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Sep 19, 2019

The logic of Iran’s attack on Saudi Arabia

By Henry Rome and Robert Johnston

While previously mere threats against the safety of shipping were enough to send tremors through oil markets and spook past US presidents, Iranian leaders have seemed powerless to respond to the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign.

Geopolitics & Energy Security
Iran

New Atlanticist

Sep 18, 2019

A geopolitical European Commission: Can the incoming president make it work?

By Olivier-Rémy Bel and Jörn Fleck

The selection process and presentation have been received relatively well and signal a new Commission leadership adept at messaging and politics. But questions remain whether Ursula von der Leyen can make the complex Commission work

European Union
Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Sep 17, 2019

Netanyahu teetering after inconclusive Israeli election

By Shalom Lipner

Results were disappointing for the incumbent, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but still inconclusive. The next phase promises to be no less tortuous.

Elections
Israel

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