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.

How will the outcome of the Midterms affect Trump’s policy options?

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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When major global news breaks, the Atlantic Council’s experts have you covered—delivering their sharpest rapid insight and forward-looking analysis direct to your inbox.

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

Nov 7, 2018

How will the outcome of the Midterms affect Trump’s policy options?

By Ashish Kumar Sen

“Expect louder voices defending democracy in America and around the world, expect a unified bipartisan cry on behalf of human rights. Expect greater pressure on the White House to end senseless wars like the one in Yemen and the Syrian civil war," said Evelyn Farkas, nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.

Elections Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Nov 6, 2018

United States and China to hold delayed security dialogue on November 9

By David A. Wemer

"The Pence speech read almost like a declaration of a new Cold War. The meeting may be an attempt to put a floor on the relationship," said Robert Manning, resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security.

China Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Nov 5, 2018

The United States snaps back sanctions on Iran. Will they bite the government in Tehran?

By David A. Wemer

The newly reinstated sanctions will target Iranian shipbuilding and shipping, oil production and sales, and banking, among other sectors.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

New Atlanticist

Nov 5, 2018

Will missionary’s death Be a tipping point for US position on Cameroon crisis?

By Jonathan Gass

For decades, Cameroon enjoyed much praise from the international community for its self-styled portrayal as an “island of peace” in a volatile region, and the United States has long considered Cameroon a strategic partner.

Conflict Elections

New Atlanticist

Nov 1, 2018

John Bolton takes Latin American ‘troika of tyranny’ to task

By David A. Wemer

“John Bolton made it clear today where the administration is headed on Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua,” Jason Marczak, director of the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, said.

Central America Cuba

New Atlanticist

Nov 1, 2018

A look at the implications of reimposed US sanctions on Iran

By Brian O'Toole

The sanctions that snap back into place on November 5 largely mirror those that the Obama administration lifted in January 2016.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

New Atlanticist

Nov 1, 2018

Quiz: Elections Bonanza

By Atlantic Council

Tired of waiting for the US midterms? Voters went to the polls around the world last week, from Rio de Janeiro to Tbilisi. Test your knowledge about who won and lost, as well as the other major news from this past week.

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

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