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
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.

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

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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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 20, 2018

Kofi Annan, RIP

By Frederic C. Hof

When he received the joint special envoy appointment in February 2012, Annan moved with dispatch to stop widespread Syrian violence caused by the Assad regime’s successful militarization of the Syrian uprising.

International Organizations Syria

New Atlanticist

Aug 17, 2018

What will Merkel decide on Nord Stream 2?

By Agnia Grigas

Given that Russia is known for using energy as a tool of foreign policy, exporting corruption via its business dealings and seeking to fracture the unity of the EU and NATO, the Nord Stream 2 pipeline is about much more than gas for both Washington and the European Union.

European Union Eurozone

New Atlanticist

Aug 17, 2018

A breakthrough in Berlin? Not so fast.

By Jörn Fleck

Moscow’s vocal reaction to the new US sanctions may also signal Putin’s willingness to pursue a renewed dialogue with Germany.

Economic Sanctions Germany

New Atlanticist

Aug 16, 2018

Brazil readies for contentious Presidential campaign

By David Wemer

Although the field remains divided, Lula or Haddad’s primary rival will be right-leaning Army Reserve Captain Jair Bolsonaro, who has gained notoriety for a string of controversial remarks and tough measures proposed to address Brazil’s security concerns.

Brazil Elections

New Atlanticist

Aug 15, 2018

NATO’s new window to the south

By Colin Wall

When it comes to addressing challenges in NATO’s south, such as destabilizing migration flows, terrorism, and general instability in the region, however, the Alliance has often struggled to demonstrate the same sense of strategic focus.

NATO

New Atlanticist

Aug 14, 2018

Can lowering trade barriers fuel American energy exports to Europe?

By Barbara C. Matthews, Earl Anthony Wayne, and Richard Morningstar

The EU’s efforts to diversify its energy imports through increased reliance on American LNG exports therefore presents a geo-strategic opportunity to increase energy and political security in Europe and bolster the transatlantic relationship in the process.

European Union Germany

New Atlanticist

Aug 14, 2018

Mandatory standards are critical to protecting US elections

By Heather Regnault

Russian government hackers have gained access to systems that represent America’s most cherished institution—the democratic vote.

Cybersecurity Elections

New Atlanticist

Aug 13, 2018

The Ohrid Group: Now is the time

By Atlantic Council

We see this as a “now or never” moment for your country, for you, and for your children’s’ future. Your government and the Greek government were not negotiating as yesterday’s rivals but as tomorrow’s friends.

Elections NATO

New Atlanticist

Aug 13, 2018

Loose ends of a deal

By Pinar Dost

For the first four years of the war, Turkey handled the crisis on its own without much international support and assistance. Today, it is much harder to do that.

European Union Migration

New Atlanticist

Aug 10, 2018

Trump extends feud with Turkey: Now what?

By David Wemer

What does this escalation mean for US-Turkey relations and what should Washington and Ankara do from here?

Economic Sanctions Politics & Diplomacy

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