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
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.

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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

Nov 1, 2018

Nukes in Europe: Facts, not hysteria

By Franklin C. Miller

Calls for the United States to continue to engage in a constructive dialogue with Russia on this issue bring to mind Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity: “doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results."

Europe & Eurasia Nuclear Nonproliferation

New Atlanticist

Nov 1, 2018

Climate change is doing more than raising sea levels. Your bar tab will go up, too

By Ashish Kumar Sen

The past few weeks have produced a steady stream of bad news for the Earth. Here’s a look at some stories making headlines.

Climate Change & Climate Action

New Atlanticist

Oct 31, 2018

Merkel’s greatest legacy May be her unerring sense of style

By Thomas Klau

Can Germany’s leader for thirteen years last in the chancellery for another three? At this stage it is more than doubtful. Merkel herself left the door discreetly open to an earlier exit.

Elections Germany

New Atlanticist

Oct 30, 2018

As Angela Merkel begins her exit, what next?

By Jörn Fleck and Alex Baker

No matter who succeeds Merkel as leader of the CDU, it is difficult to imagine that person would be content with Merkel staying on as chancellor until her terms ends in 2021. That person will want the opportunity to connect with voters and chart his or her own course for the party.

Elections Germany

New Atlanticist

Oct 30, 2018

Rome’s options in budget battle with Brussels

By David A. Wemer

The Italian proposal violates a European Commission stipulation that budget deficits must decline year-on-year. Instead, under this proposal, Rome’s deficit would continue to grow.

Eurozone International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Oct 29, 2018

Angela Merkel will not seek re-election as Germany’s chancellor in 2021

By Ashish Kumar Sen

"While one should never underestimate Merkel, it may be time to start thinking about her political obituary," said Atlantic Council distinguished fellow, Fran Burwell.

Elections Germany

New Atlanticist

Oct 29, 2018

The future of the dollar in a post-Iran deal World

By Michael B. Greenwald

Some argue that if Iran shifted to euro-denominated transactions, it could spark a broader shift within energy exporting countries that would eventually weaken the USD as the reserve currency, as well as undermine the impact of future unilateral US sanctions.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

New Atlanticist

Oct 28, 2018

Brazil Swings right with election of Jair Bolsonaro as President

By Ashish Kumar Sen

"The convincing election of Jair Bolsonaro today shows Brazilians' rejection of the status quo. His election reflects voter disenchantment with corruption, insecurity, and anemic economic growth,” said Jason Marczak, director of the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center.

Brazil Elections

New Atlanticist

Oct 26, 2018

#ElectionTracker: No, the United States isn’t the only country getting ready to vote

By David A. Wemer

As seemingly all attention focuses on voters from the Atlantic to the Pacific don’t lose sight of some other contests around the world. Here is a look at the races we are watching in the runup to the US midterms.

Brazil Elections

New Atlanticist

Oct 26, 2018

‘Conflict gold’ fueling war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

By David A. Wemer

Militias and warlords are selling gold to fund their military activities and political control in eastern Congo and their illicit trade is not just flowing to the black market, but “may be coming here to the United States as well as Europe,” Sasha Lezhnev, deputy director of policy for the Enough Project, explained.

Conflict Democratic Republic of the Congo

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