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.

Iraq: In the crossfire of a potential US-Iran conflict?

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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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

May 17, 2019

Iraq: In the crossfire of a potential US-Iran conflict?

By Abbas Kadhim

If a new conflict erupts in the region, it will complicate the situation for Iraq in some unimaginable ways, even if Iraq is not directly involved.

Iran Iraq

New Atlanticist

May 17, 2019

It’s time for the United States to lead (again) on Sudan

By Cameron Hudson

At this perilous moment, where there is an opportunity for the Trump administration to summon years of built up leverage to ensure a lasting transition to democratic rule and regional stability in Sudan, will Washington answer the call?

Democratic Transitions Sudan

New Atlanticist

May 16, 2019

Quiz: Celebrating Eurovision

By Atlantic Council

As we near the big night on May 18, do you have what it takes to be the world’s biggest Eurovision fan? Take twelve questions to prove you belong in the Grand Finale, but be careful to avoid the dreaded nul points!

Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

May 16, 2019

Strong support for the EU in Sweden ahead of European elections

By Anna Wieslander

Overall, the Swedish debate on the EU has been criticized by experts and journalists for failing to address central questions, such as how the EU should prevent another economic crisis and how the deepening defense cooperation could progress further.

Elections European Union

New Atlanticist

May 16, 2019

Europeans promise political and economic steps to salvage the Iran deal

By Barbara Slavin

The twenty-eight members of the European Union (EU) are united in support of an Iran policy that opposes a military confrontation and prioritizes the continued existence of the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

European Union Iran

New Atlanticist

May 15, 2019

Dial 911: Trump’s telecommunications national emergency

By Ashish Kumar Sen

US President Donald J. Trump on May 15 declared a “national emergency” that gives his administration the power to prevent US companies from doing business with foreign suppliers, including, potentially, Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei.

China Defense Technologies

New Atlanticist

May 15, 2019

Coherent US strategy seen key to effective sanctions

By David A. Wemer

“Sanctions can be a useful, precise, and effective tool of US foreign policy, so long as they are treated as a tool to implement a clear policy and a thought-out strategy,” David Mortlock said.

Economic Sanctions Iran

New Atlanticist

May 15, 2019

On Iran, justified US fury without an endgame

By Todd Rosenblum

We’ve been here before. The Trump administration, like every US administration since Jimmy Carter was president, is dealing with a hostile Iran bent on undermining US and regional security interests across the Middle East and beyond.

Iran Nuclear Nonproliferation

New Atlanticist

May 15, 2019

EU parliamentary elections: What to expect in France

By Benjamin Haddad

If En Marche ends first with a score resembling Macron’s 2017 first-round showing (24 percent), he will have reason to claim victory in a ballot that usually turns into a beating for the ruling party.

Elections European Union

New Atlanticist

May 15, 2019

Here’s what to expect from Germany’s European vote

By Jörn Fleck

The outcome of the election in the European Union’s largest economy and most populous member state will not impact Germany’s broadly pro-European Union (EU) positions and strategy in significant ways.

Elections European Union

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