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.

Trade data reveal the inner workings of Russia and China’s defense industrial cooperation

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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When major global news breaks, the Atlantic Council’s experts have you covered—delivering their sharpest rapid insight and forward-looking analysis direct to your inbox.

Experts React

Dive deep into developing stories, guided by continually updated expert analysis that leaves you better informed about the most pressing global issues behind the headlines.

Markup

Our experts decipher and annotate major speeches and policy documents to break down big ideas and lay them out in plain language.

New Atlanticist

Dec 18, 2024

Trade data reveal the inner workings of Russia and China’s defense industrial cooperation

By Joseph Webster

Moscow and Beijing are increasingly sharing technology and defense industrial capabilities in ways that severely impact US and Western interests.

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Dec 18, 2024

Beyond NATO’s 2 percent threshold: How can Italy meet the challenge?

By Gabriele Natalizia and Matteo Mazziotti di Celso

For the past decade, Rome has leaned more on deploying its troops abroad to contribute to the Alliance than on increasing its overall defense spending. That needs to change.

Italy NATO

New Atlanticist

Dec 17, 2024

Nicaragua is consolidating an authoritarian dynasty. Here’s how US economic pressure can counter it.

By Brennan Rhodes

As the Ortega government further entrenches its power in Nicaragua, US sanctions and other economic tools can help curb its malign activities.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Human Rights

New Atlanticist

Dec 17, 2024

The global ripple effects of South Korea’s political turmoil

By Atlantic Council experts

The fallout from Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment could have massive implications for Seoul’s relations with the United States and Japan.

Civil Society Elections

New Atlanticist

Dec 17, 2024

The United States must revisit the basics of geostrategy

By Andrew A. Michta

It’s time to return to realism in US national security policy, putting hard power considerations and geopolitics front and center.

China National Security

New Atlanticist

Dec 17, 2024

Dispatch from Damascus: Celebrations and concerns as a new Syria takes shape

By Ömer Özkizilcik

Syrians in Damascus are celebrating the fall of the Assad regime, but that joy is mixed with concern for how the country’s new leaders will govern.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Dec 16, 2024

Dispatch from Bucharest: Why has Romanian politics suddenly gone sideways?

By Daniel Fried

Twin shocks—Călin Georgescu’s political rise and the annulment of the November 24 presidential election—have shaken the hitherto complacent centrists in Romania.

Elections Politics & Diplomacy

Econographics

Dec 16, 2024

Once again, China pushes for economic stimulus, hoping for a different result

By Jeremy Mark

Chinese leader Xi Jinping continues to adopt stimulus measures that fail to confront the country’s structural economic challenges.

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Dec 16, 2024

The era of economic alliances beckons. The US should lead the way.

By Kaush Arha, Jörn Fleck

With geopolitics reshaping global trade, the United States must double down on economic partnerships with allies to counter its adversaries.

China Trade and tariffs

New Atlanticist

Dec 13, 2024

To solve the climate crisis, the world doesn’t just need a new international framework. It needs a new economic model.

By Mohamed Khalil

To combat climate change, the global economy must prioritize the well-being of people and the planet over profit generation.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

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