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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Bremain vs Brexit

Jun 24, 2016

Europe’s Soul-Searching Moment

By Ana Palacio

There is an old rule in lawyering, never ask a question if you are not certain of the answer. Three years ago, in a selfish gambit to solidify his personal mandate for a second term as prime minister, David Cameron did just that. His reward: thirteen extra months in 10 Downing Street entirely consumed by […]

Europe & Eurasia European Union

Bremain vs Brexit

Jun 24, 2016

Brexit a Boon for Europe’s Far-Right Populists

By Alina Polyakova

The United Kingdom’s vote to leave the European Union will provide a massive boost to the isolationist, anti-immigrant, and eurosceptic policies of Europe’s far-right political parties.

European Union France

New Atlanticist

Jun 24, 2016

EU Needs a ‘Huge Transformation’

By Ashish Kumar Sen

We asked our experts to tell us what the European Union needs to do differently in light of the referendum. This is what they had to say: Andrea Montanino is the director of the Global Business and Economics Program at the Atlantic Council. He was formerly executive director of the International Monetary Fund representing the […]

European Union International Organizations

Bremain vs Brexit

Jun 24, 2016

The Disunited Kingdom

By John M. Roberts

Welcome to the Disunited Kingdom. The country formally known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has just voted to leave the European Union, whilst revealing in the process just how divided it has become, just how alienated its voters are from their elected leaders. The problems confronting the victors are enormous.

European Union International Organizations

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Jun 23, 2016

Urban Development Seen as Critical to Countering Violent Extremism

By Meghan Rowley

Food, water, and energy insecurity, as well as economic and social inequality, form a “nexus” of issues that create an environment that breeds violent extremism, according to a senior US State Department official.

France National Security

New Atlanticist

Jun 23, 2016

Independent Judiciary an ‘Antidote’ to Corruption in Ukraine

By Julia Goldman

An independent judiciary and institutional transparency are necessary to root out corruption from government and businesses in Ukraine, according to a transnational criminal lawyer.

Economy & Business Russia

New Atlanticist

Jun 23, 2016

US Seeks Renewed NATO Pledges to Afghanistan

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Commitments at Warsaw and Brussels would send a clear signal to the Taliban, said official NATO’s Warsaw summit in July and a European Union conference in Brussels in October must provide clear commitments to Afghanistan in order to boost the prospects of peace in that country, a senior Obama administration official said at the Atlantic […]

Afghanistan European Union

New Atlanticist

Jun 22, 2016

Colombia Stands on the Brink of Peace

By Ashish Kumar Sen

On the cusp of signing a bilateral ceasefire that will end Latin America’s longest running war, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos must ensure that the peace deal with leftist rebels is implemented to the letter—particularly ensuring justice for the victims—and shore up support for the agreement among Colombian voters, according to Latin America analysts at […]

Colombia

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Jun 21, 2016

US Army Secretary Ties Inclusivity, National Security Capability

By Mitch Hulse

The promotion of inclusiveness and diversity goes hand in hand with enhancing the United States’ national security capability, US Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning said on June 21. “Our national security will suffer if we allow bias or prejudice to close doors and discourage great future leaders from serving,” he said. “Building an army […]

International Organizations Politics & Diplomacy

Bremain vs Brexit

Jun 21, 2016

Brexit or Bremain, What the EU Desperately Needs is Reform

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Atlantic Council experts discuss what Brussels needs to do differently British voters will take part in a referendum on June 23 to decide whether the United Kingdom should remain in the European Union. Latest polls show a close race. For months, proponents and opponents of the so-called Brexit have made their case to the British […]

European Union International Organizations

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