New Atlanticist

Wanted: US Strategy for Regional Security in Middle East

Atlantic Council’s Bilal Y. Saab says Iran nuclear deal will not pacify the region As US, European, and Iranian negotiators race to conclude a deal that would limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for an end to punishing economic sanctions, the Atlantic Council’s Bilal Y. Saab says that alone won’t bring security to the region—nor […]

Dilma’s Visit Injects New Vigor into US-Brazil Relations

By Larry Luxner

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has wrapped up her historic visit to the United States and is heading back home, where a shrinking economy and a growing corruption scandal at state-owned oil giant Petrobras have made her deeply unpopular among Brazilians. In fact, it’s that scandal—not the one involving spying by the National Security Agency two […]

The Greek Debt Crisis – Your Questions Answered

By Demetrios Papageorgiou

On June 30, Greece defaulted on a €1.5 billion payment to the International Monetary Fund, raising concerns about a Greek exit from the nineteen-member Eurozone. Despite a flurry of new proposals from the Tsipras government, its creditors—the IMF, the European Central Bank (ECB), and the other Eurozone countries—have agreed to delay further talks until after […]

Making History, Obama Announces Opening of US Embassy in Havana

By Larry Luxner

On July 20, the Stars and Stripes will rise over a US Embassy in Havana for the first time in fifty-four years—and the Cuban flag will flutter over the newly reconstituted Cuban Embassy in Washington. If all goes according to plan, US Secretary of State John Kerry will visit Havana to witness the historic event. […]

From Chile to the Czech Republic: Diplomats Debate the Future of the Nation-State

By Larry Luxner

Five Washington-based foreign ambassadors shared the stage with US officials June 29 to discuss the 2015 Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR)—a report that deals with complex issues such as the rise of non-state actors. Thomas Perriello, QDDR Special Representative since his February 2014 appointment by Secretary of State John Kerry, unveiled the study at […]

Luxembourg Takes Over EU Presidency from Latvia in Midst of Greek Eurozone Crisis

By Larry Luxner

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, second-smallest member of the European Union (EU) in population but by far its wealthiest, officially takes over the EU Council’s rotating presidency from Latvia at midnight July 1. The handover, to be marked by celebrations and a huge “European picnic” in the capital city’s Place d’Armes, comes just as debt-ridden […]

Grexit: Coming true?

By Larry Luxner

As Greece—its banks shuttered for the next week—counts down to a July 5 referendum on whether to accept or reject creditors’ demands, leaders of the European Union warn that a “no” vote would mean Greece’s expulsion from the nineteen-member Eurozone. Andrea Montanino, Director of the Atlantic Council’s Global Business and Economics Program, hopes it won’t […]

Ukraine, China, ISIS Top Long List of Challenges for EU, NATO

By Ariel Cohen

The unity and strategic viability of the transatlantic alliance and the US major non-NATO democratic allies, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, Israel, the Philippines, and others, will be severely tested in the years to come. As always, freedom is not free, and its price is constant vigilance. The United States and its allies face significant […]