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
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

Jul 1, 2016

US Isolationism Has Few Takers Abroad

By Meghan Rowley

Pew survey finds isolationist policies would be ‘unpopular’ Amid global trends of isolationism and proposals from Donald Trump for US disengagement, an international survey conducted by Pew Research Center suggests that isolationist policies would be “unpopular” if enacted by the next US administration.

Elections Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Jul 1, 2016

Crisis in Brazil Seen as Foreign Trade Opportunity

By Meghan Rowley

Brazil’s recent political and economic instability, while bringing uncertainty to the region, is also seen as creating an opportunity for the country to refocus its development efforts internationally. “Times of crisis are times of opportunities,” Daniel Godinho, Brazil’s secretary for trade, said at the Atlantic Council in Washington on June 28. “There’s a growing consensus […]

Brazil Economy & Business

Bremain vs Brexit

Jul 1, 2016

Europe Needs a New Approach in a Post-Brexit World

By Ana Palacio

Of the many things that the British decision to leave the European Union has been called—earthquake, inflection point, game-changer, disaster—perhaps the most important is wake up call. If June 23 does not raise European leaders from their collective slumber, then hope is lost for this European project of ours. And yet, in the days since […]

Europe & Eurasia European Union

New Atlanticist

Jun 30, 2016

North American Leaders’ Summit Furthers COP-21 Climate Goals

By Robert Ichord

The climate change partnership announcement made by the leaders of Canada, the United States, and Mexico at the North American Leaders Summit on June 29 continues the political ambition of the three countries to work toward a low-carbon future. The announcement follows commitments made in the COP-21 Paris climate agreement to reduce carbon emissions.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

New Atlanticist

Jun 30, 2016

Brexit + European Energy Union = ?

By Thomas Cunningham

Brexit strikes a blow to the solidarity principle at the heart of the EU Energy Union project It is impossible to make a full assessment of the implications of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on the European Energy Union because there is uncertainty associated with both the so-called Brexit and the European […]

Energy & Environment European Union

Bremain vs Brexit

Jun 30, 2016

Brexit is a Win for Putin

By John E. Herbst

A vote for Brexit is a big win for Russia’s foreign policy. Moscow has made no secret of its desire to upend the post-Cold War settlement in Europe. Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian officials have regularly said that there will be new rules for global order or no rules. They insist that […]

European Union International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Jun 30, 2016

NATO Must Stick to its Guns on its Eastern Flank

By Lauren Speranza

As its summit in Warsaw approaches, NATO is bolstering defenses on its eastern flank, increasing military presence, improving infrastructure, and conducting military exercises. While praised in some circles, NATO’s actions have also drawn criticism. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has accused the Alliance of “warmongering” and ratcheting up tensions with Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin […]

NATO Russia

Bremain vs Brexit

Jun 30, 2016

Why a Brexit May Not Happen

By Anders Åslund

British support for taking the United Kingdom out of the European Union came as a tremendous shock to the world. Global financial markets were roiled for two days after the June 23 referendum. A few days later, however, questions have been raised about whether the UK would actually leave the European Union. It now appears […]

European Union International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Jun 30, 2016

TTIP Will ‘Survive’ Brexit

By Mitch Hulse

The effort to conclude a transatlantic trade deal will continue despite the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union, according to the European Union’s top trade official. “There are a lot of uncertainties related to Brexit and we will have to wait and see the clearer picture. But for now and for the immediate […]

Economy & Business Elections

New Atlanticist

Jun 29, 2016

It’s Time to Scrap the Minsk Agreement

By David J. Kramer

Editor’s Note: On June 22, Ambassador John Herbst and David Kramer debated whether we should bury the Minsk agreement, the troubled ceasefire agreement in Ukraine, at an Atlantic Council event in Washington, DC. Their remarks have been adapted from the debate. The Minsk ceasefire agreement, signed February 15, 2015, by the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, […]

Germany OSCE

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