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.

Assad still standing in Syria: What went wrong?

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.

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Assad still standing in Syria: What went wrong?

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

Assad still standing in Syria: What went wrong?

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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New Atlanticist

Sep 11, 2018

Assad still standing in Syria: What went wrong?

By David Wemer

Now, Washington must face the reality that Assad is here to stay and that Syria will continue to be a source of instability in the region for years to come.

Conflict Syria

New Atlanticist

Sep 10, 2018

Has Trump shut the door to Middle East peace with closure of Palestinian office?

By David Wemer

The decision to close the PLO office is seen by some as a reflection of the Trump administration’s growing frustration to secure a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians—even as the administration is set to unveil its proposed “deal of the century.”

Crisis Management Israel

New Atlanticist

Sep 10, 2018

Six years after a US Ambassador was killed in Benghazi, Libya remains mired in Chaos

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Libya today has two power centers—an internationally recognized government based in Tripoli and an internationally recognized parliament based in eastern city of Tobruk.

Conflict Libya

New Atlanticist

Sep 10, 2018

Moscow looks to flex its muscles in the East

By Brooks Tigner

While far from the Alliance’s borders this time, the forthcoming event’s location, huge scale, and unusual partner participation (China) carry strategic implications for NATO and the West, and also raise serious questions open to diverse interpretation.

China NATO

New Atlanticist

Sep 7, 2018

Seven things you should know about Macedonia

By David Wemer

On September 30, citizens will vote in a referendum to ratify a name-deal with Greece, that will see the country renamed to “the Republic of North Macedonia,” hopefully ending a decades-long disagreement with Greece and paving the way for Macedonia’s accession to the European Union and NATO.

Elections NATO

New Atlanticist

Sep 7, 2018

The war in Syria: A battle looms in Idlib

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Idlib’s population has almost doubled to around three million as tens of thousands of Syrians trapped in other parts of the country were evacuated there under various ceasefire agreements with the Assad regime. Now there are few safe spaces to which they can flee.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Sep 7, 2018

Europe’s new normal: Turning the migrant challenge into an opportunity

By Pete Seat

With inhospitable temperatures across North Africa and Central Asia, constant war and conflict in Middle East hot spots, and the advance of authoritarian regimes, today’s refugees don’t represent a temporary conundrum, but rather a new normal of European life.

Climate Change & Climate Action Conflict

New Atlanticist

Sep 6, 2018

One of NATO’s best communicators has some parting advice for the Alliance: Speak up!

By Teri Schultz

Jamie Shea, retiring NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, expects the near-term future to be the Alliance's "most challenging period."

NATO Security & Defense

New Atlanticist

Sep 6, 2018

Will Sweden’s elections lead to NATO membership?

By Anna Wieslander

The deteriorating security situation in the Baltic Sea region since 2014 has spurred collaboration even further. Sweden and Finland are nowadays as interoperable with NATO as most other allies.

Elections NATO

New Atlanticist

Sep 6, 2018

Five opportunities for Latin America

By Maria Fernanda Perez Arguello

The disruption of global trade flows by the dueling trends of liberalization and protectionism may provide an opportunity for some Latin American governments to pursue politically difficult modernization agendas.

International Organizations Latin America
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