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.

Much ado about nothing? European strategic autonomy and the transatlantic alliance

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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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 27, 2019

Much ado about nothing? European strategic autonomy and the transatlantic alliance

By Moritz Luetgerath

The current political and structural realities in Europe will mean the quest for strategic autonomy will remain all talk.

European Union NATO

New Atlanticist

Mar 26, 2019

United States will ‘reconsider’ information sharing with allies that embrace Huawei, says Pentagon official

By David A. Wemer

“If our allies and partners go with a Huawei solution, we need to reconsider how we share critical information with them because we want to make sure that that is secure information,” Ellen Lord said.

China Cybersecurity

New Atlanticist

Mar 26, 2019

In Britain, Parliament sidelines Theresa May on Brexit, but uncertainty still rules

By John M. Roberts

Divisions both between parties and within parties in Parliament make it impossible to predict just what solution will emerge.

European Union United Kingdom

New Atlanticist

Mar 25, 2019

NATO at 70: Lessons from the Cold War

By Lukas Trakimavičius

At a time when some observers argue that the Alliance is facing various pressures, it is useful to put things into perspective, remember some of the earliest challenges NATO had to overcome, and draw some lessons from history.

NATO Russia

New Atlanticist

Mar 25, 2019

Making sense of Nazarbayev’s abrupt resignation in Kazakhstan

By Dinara Pisareva

Nazarbayev’s abrupt departure from power may also be an attempt to preserve his image as the “father of the nation” and economic modernizer before things start to fall apart.

Central Asia Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Mar 24, 2019

Mueller’s findings: What do they mean for US foreign policy?

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Atlantic Council experts detail what the report's findings mean for US foreign policy.

Russia United States and Canada

New Atlanticist

Mar 24, 2019

Mr. Netanyahu goes to Washington

By Shalom Lipner

Netanyahu's arrival in the United States comes now — and not coincidentally — at precisely the moment when he needs to seize the agenda and pivot to his strengths.

Israel United States and Canada

New Atlanticist

Mar 22, 2019

Trump’s reversal of North Korea sanctions sends a dangerous signal

By Ashish Kumar Sen

"President Trump is making clear to China, Russia, and even South Korea that the UN sanctions are not to be taken seriously," Jamie Metzl said.

Korea Nuclear Nonproliferation

New Atlanticist

Mar 22, 2019

Decision time for Brexit, but not quite as planned

By John M. Roberts

Next week will determine one key element of the great Brexit saga: will Britain exit the EU on the terms reached in the Withdrawal Agreement concluded with the European Commission last November?

European Union United Kingdom

New Atlanticist

Mar 22, 2019

Wanted: A spirit of creativity and realism on WTO reform

By Mark Linscott

With vision and a greater sense of responsibility among all members, the future of the WTO’s negotiating arm could be quite bright.

International Organizations Trade and tariffs

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