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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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

Oct 10, 2018

Lessons from Hurricane Andrew

By Samuel Jeffrey

Although Michael stands to cause severe storm surges, wind damage, and loss of life, Florida’s resilient-by-design approach may aid the state in withstanding the storm and looking toward recovery.

Climate Change & Climate Action

New Atlanticist

Oct 10, 2018

The United Nations’ deadly serious call to action on climate change

By David Livingston

The world remains grossly off-track to avoiding deleterious levels of climate change over this century, regardless of whether the target is 1.5 degrees, 2 degrees, or some other arbitrary metric.

Climate Change & Climate Action United Nations

New Atlanticist

Oct 10, 2018

Here’s why Angela Merkel will be paying attention to Bavaria’s election (and you should too)

By Jörn Fleck and Alex Baker

The bigger question for German and perhaps European politics will be how the CSU reacts to a likely loss of an absolute majority at home.

Elections Germany

New Atlanticist

Oct 10, 2018

World economic outlook: Trade tensions and tariffs a major threat to global economic growth

By Marie Kasperek

While a downward correction of 0.2 percent in global growth is not outright alarming, experts do warn of potential clouds on the horizon.

International Financial Institutions Macroeconomics

New Atlanticist

Oct 10, 2018

Elections in Bosnia: More of the same, but there is a silver lining

By Dimitar Bechev

To cut a long story short, Bosnia’s politics continue to be dominated by two ethnically defined poles—one led by Serbian Dodik and another around Muslim Bosniaks and the SDA.

Elections The Balkans

New Atlanticist

Oct 9, 2018

SWIFT action risks unintended consequences

By Samantha Sultoon

Unilateral, isolated policy making that implicates SWIFT risks hampering the flow of global financial transactions and trade, harming US businesses as well as further antagonizing European allies.

International Financial Institutions Trade and tariffs

New Atlanticist

Oct 9, 2018

UN Ambassador Nikki Haley resigns

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Haley, a former governor of South Carolina and the daughter of Indian immigrants, at times struck an independent position from Trump, but was also a prominent supporter of the president.

International Organizations Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Oct 8, 2018

Led by leftists Since 2003, Brazil could soon get a far-right president

By Ashish Kumar Sen

“Bolsonaro’s near victory in the first round shows Brazilians are fed up with insecurity and corruption, and desperately want their economic fortunes reversed,” said Jason Marczak, director of the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center.

Brazil Elections

New Atlanticist

Oct 5, 2018

A new chapter in Iraq?

By Andrea Taylor

On October 3, Iraq’s newly named president, Barham Salih, picked Adel Abdul Mahdi, an independent Shia politician, to be the next prime minister and form a government.

Democratic Transitions Iraq

New Atlanticist

Oct 5, 2018

Quiz: Is NAFTA Back From the Dead?

By Atlantic Council

NAFTA is back with a new alias: the USMCA. Can you spot the difference? Put your knowledge to the test with 7 questions designed for only the truest trade geeks. Pour a glass of Okanagan Valley Pinot Noir and prove that you liked NAFTA before it was cool.

Economy & Business

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