New Atlanticist

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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.

What will Merkel decide on Nord Stream 2?

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.

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What will Merkel decide on Nord Stream 2?

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

What will Merkel decide on Nord Stream 2?

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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Our experts decipher and annotate major speeches and policy documents to break down big ideas and lay them out in plain language.

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Content

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.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion 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?

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Aug 10, 2018

Atlantic Council Looks Back on 2008 Russia-Georgia War

By Atlantic Council

The Atlantic Council commemorated the ten-year anniversary of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war with a series of pieces looking at the impact of the war and the unsettled geopolitical situation today. Here is a look back at the pieces which ran from August 7 until August 9:

Russia The Caucasus
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