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.

Will Italy get a new government or elections?

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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Fast Thinking

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

Aug 26, 2019

Will Italy get a new government or elections?

By David A. Wemer

The collapse of the Italian government comes right before crucial budget negotiations.

International Norms Italy

New Atlanticist

Aug 26, 2019

Beijing strikes back with more US tariffs

By David A. Wemer

The decision to increase tariffs “sends a message that China will match US tariff moves,” according to Hung Tran.

China Trade and tariffs

New Atlanticist

Aug 20, 2019

The financial implications of deploying sanctions in Hong Kong

By Michael B. Greenwald

If the situation worsens in Hong Kong, Washington should not hesitate to not only use Global Magnitsky, but also take tangible steps to boost its hard power position in the region.

China Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Aug 15, 2019

SheEO: How female executives power profit in the new economy

By Alexis Crow

Numerous studies demonstrate the statistically significant relationship between increasing the number of women in senior management and on corporate boards, and accelerating company performance.

Economy & Business Women

New Atlanticist

Aug 15, 2019

Guatemala’s anti-corruption commission is ending, but the fight will go on

By Bryan Wilensky

While current anti-corruption developments are largely separated by national borders, as Latin American societies advance their calls for institutional change the formation of a united, transnational corruption crusade is an exciting prospect for the region.

Corruption

New Atlanticist

Aug 13, 2019

Airport clash raises fear of violent crackdown in Hong Kong

By David A. Wemer

With international attention fixed on the dramatic scenes from Hong Kong, Beijing seems to be doubling down on its commitment to end the disruptive demonstrations.

China

New Atlanticist

Aug 13, 2019

To deal with bad ideas, develop better solutions

By Daniel Fried

Putin’s Russia has a track record of using gas exports as political pressure, for example, against Ukraine in the years leading up to Putin’s attack on that country in 2014 and has threatened to do the same to Central European countries, including those in the European Union.

Central Europe Energy Markets & Governance

New Atlanticist

Aug 13, 2019

The winners and losers of the US-China trade war

By Andrew LaScaleia

The world continues to become more economically intertwined as each day passes, and as the US-China conflict escalates, more countries will find themselves impacted for better or for worse via supply chains, foreign demand and investment, and insecurity.

China Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

New Atlanticist

Aug 12, 2019

Back to the future on trade with the USMCA

By Mark Linscott

just like today, House Democrats in 2007 sought changes to pending agreements in their provisions on labor, environment, and intellectual property protections for pharmaceutical products.

Mexico Trade and tariffs

New Atlanticist

Aug 12, 2019

House amendment could scuttle US attempts to decrease reliance on Russian gas

By Agnia Grigas

Today, the European Union relies on Russia for between 30 to 40 percent of its gas imports, while Germany’s dependency rate on Russian gas is growing rapidly, putting US military installations in Germany dependent on continued energy supply from Russia.

Central Europe Russia

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