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.

Iraqi Parliamentary Elections in a Fragmented Political Landscape

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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New Atlanticist

May 11, 2018

Iraqi Parliamentary Elections in a Fragmented Political Landscape

By Andrea Taylor

The Iraqi parliamentary elections on May 12 are likely to be critical in their symbolism but far from definitive in their outcomes. Free and fair elections that lead to the peaceful political transition of members of the Council of Representatives—a process consistent with the 2005 Constitution—could help to solidify Iraqi democratic confidence. Nonetheless, how Iraqis […]

Iraq

New Atlanticist

May 11, 2018

Iraq Votes: Expect Uncertainty

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Iraqis will vote on May 12 in their first election since the defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). With nearly 7,000 candidates vying for 329 seats in parliament, no single political alliance is expected to emerge with an outright majority. As a consequence, the days after the vote will be marked […]

Iraq

New Atlanticist

May 11, 2018

Bridging the Gulf in the GCC

By Rachel Brandenburg

Relations between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have been fractured for much of the past year. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Egypt cut diplomatic ties with Qatar in June 2017 citing reports that Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani had made remarks of the United States while offering support for […]

International Organizations North Africa

New Atlanticist

May 11, 2018

Howard Schultz’s Venti Call to Action

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Amid questions about the “moral leadership of America,” Howard Schultz, executive chairman of Starbucks Corporation, said in Washington on May 10 that business leaders must realize that the onus is on them to step up to the plate. “Businesses and business leaders must understand that we are living at a time where the rules of […]

New Atlanticist

May 11, 2018

Scaparrotti: Preserve the Alliance

By Ashish Kumar Sen

The United States and NATO must take steps to preserve the unity of the transatlantic alliance in the face of a “complex and dynamic security environment,” said Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, supreme allied commander Europe and commander, US European Command.Noting skepticism about the strength of the rules-based international order, Scaparrotti said: “This is why now, more than ever, […]

NATO Security & Defense

New Atlanticist

May 11, 2018

George W. Bush Warns Against Isolationism

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Former US president makes a pitch for preserving PEPFAR Former US President George W. Bush, accepting the Atlantic Council’s Distinguished International Leadership Award in Washington on May 10, warned of the dangers of isolationism and said it is critical that the United States step up to the responsibilities of global leadership. Bush also made a […]

New Atlanticist

May 10, 2018

In Malaysia, a Win for Democracy

By HuiHui Ooi

Tun Mahathir Mohamad was sworn in as Malaysia’s prime minister on May 10 after an astonishing electoral victory that stunned many Malaysians and the world. The ninety-two-year-old is now the world’s oldest leader. Mahathir’s Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition trounced incumbent prime minister, Najib Razak’s Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition in general elections held on May 9. […]

Indo-Pacific

New Atlanticist

May 10, 2018

Waiting for Europe’s Budgetary Chickens to Roost—or Roast—At NATO

By Brooks Tigner

BRUSSELS — When the other twenty-eight allies gather for NATO’s next summit in Brussels in July, many among them will undoubtedly be waiting nervously for the arrival of Air Force One and the 29th allied leader it will carry to the Belgian capital—US President Donald J. Trump. The reason for their nervousness will be money: […]

NATO Security & Defense

New Atlanticist

May 9, 2018

The Iran Deal: Withdrawal Symptoms

By Brian O'Toole

US President Donald J. Trump’s May 8 announcement that he would withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal was broadly consistent with what many observers expected from the administration. However, because the sanctions component proved tougher than most predicted, the full scope of economic and political ramifications remains unknown. While the United States gears up for the reimposition […]

Iran

New Atlanticist

May 9, 2018

The Phony Stage of a Looming Trade War?

By Marie Kasperek

The US government recently sent a large delegation to China in hopes of averting a looming trade war with a major economic competitor. While the intent of the May 2-4 meetings was laudable, it failed to produce any significant outcomes. Negotiators—including US Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin, US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, US […]

China

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