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

Apr 20, 2016

Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot?

By Mat Burrows

The hallowed US-Gulf bargain of “oil for security” is past its sell-by date; the future of the US-Gulf relationship is up for grabs. It has always been a fraught relationship. Right from the outset, the United States never kept its promise to consult with the Saudis before recognizing Israel. Since 9/11, the relationship has grown […]

International Organizations Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Apr 20, 2016

South Sudan: Paging Dr. Riek

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Vice President’s absence from Juba speaks to a lack of trust in President Salva Kiir, says Atlantic Council’s J. Peter Pham Riek Machar’s failure to return to Juba this week to take up his duties as Vice President of South Sudan has been met with statements of dismay from the international community, but his no-show […]

Africa East Africa

New Atlanticist

Apr 20, 2016

US Disengagement from Middle East ‘Raises a Question About American Values’

By Ashish Kumar Sen

On the eve of the US-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Riyadh on April 21, Ebtesam Al-Ketbi, President of the Emirates Policy Center in Abu Dhabi, discusses key challenges in the United States’ relationship with its Arab Gulf partners, the cost of US disengagement, and the Iranian threat. Ebtesam Al-Ketbi shared her views in an […]

International Organizations Iran

New Atlanticist

Apr 19, 2016

‘Vague’ Requests for Help Will Hinder Effort to Stabilize Libya

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Atlantic Council’s Karim Mezran says new government in Tripoli risks falling into the same trap as its predecessors Vague requests for assistance by the United Nations-backed government in Libya will undermine Western governments’ ability to stabilize the North African nation that has been plunged in chaos since the ouster of its longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi […]

Libya

New Atlanticist

Apr 18, 2016

In Brazil, Is Impeachment the Answer?

By Ashish Kumar Sen

A series of missteps, mismanagement, and misfortunes have brought Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to the threshold of the fate she now faces: impeachment. “Dilma has been the amateur hour in terms of politics for the last two years,” said Peter Schechter, Director of the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center. “Every decision that she […]

Brazil

New Atlanticist

Apr 18, 2016

Oil Prices Will Determine Prospects of Deal to Cut Production

By Sara Vakhshouri

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia will only take collective action to reduce their oil production if prices drop to a level at which they can no longer make a profit. That price would be around $25 per barrel. OPEC members and Russia failed to reach an agreement on cutting production at […]

New Atlanticist

Apr 18, 2016

Road to Riyadh: Bridging the Gulf

By Ashish Kumar Sen

The United States must not be neutral in its relationships with its Gulf partners and Iran, says Atlantic Council’s Barry Pavel As US President Barack Obama prepares to attend a summit with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders in Riyadh on April 21, the Atlantic Council’s Barry Pavel has some words of advice: The United States must […]

Iran Saudi Arabia

Bremain vs Brexit

Apr 16, 2016

David Cameron: Brexit and Breakup?

By John M. Roberts

David Cameron is in danger of going down in history as the most disastrous British Prime Minister since Lord North lost the thirteen colonies in the American War of Independence more than 200 years ago. This is not because of his policies on austerity, welfare reform or foreign affairs, but simply because of the constitutional […]

European Union International Organizations

Bremain vs Brexit

Apr 15, 2016

‘Strong Economy and Sense of Unity’ Needed to Address Europe’s Challenges

By Susan Haigh

The European Commission’s economic policy priorities have remained unchanged since last year’s World Bank and International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings; Europe’s political and societal context in which these policies must be implemented, however, has changed fundamentally, according to a European Commission official. The 2016 World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings that bring together financial leaders […]

Europe & Eurasia European Union

New Atlanticist

Apr 15, 2016

Norway’s Foreign Minister: Migrant Crisis Underscores Need to Prevent Fragile States Turning into Failed States

By Ashish Kumar Sen

The migrant crisis straining Europe and security challenges in North Africa and the Middle East have made it imperative for a concerted effort to prevent fragile states from becoming failed states, Norway’s Foreign Minister, Børge Brende, said on April 14. “Never before has security and prosperity in Europe depended so much on security and prosperity […]

European Union International Organizations

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