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

Jan 14, 2015

“If Only It Were So?”

By Richard L. Morningstar

More and more conspiracy theorists believe that the United States has so much power that it can wield its insidious hand to dictate everything from world oil prices to fomenting unrest and instability in countries around the world. Nothing can be further from the truth.

New Atlanticist

Jan 14, 2015

France Is Not Disturbed by ‘Storm in a D.C. Teacup,’ Dungan Says

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Charlie Hebdo Features Muhammad Cartoon in New Issue French officials on Tuesday hunted for the accomplices of three terrorists who killed 16 people in Paris last week, while some of the victims of the attacks were laid to rest at tearful funerals. In Washington, however, the controversy over the Obama administration’s decision not to send […]

France

New Atlanticist

Jan 12, 2015

Massacre in Nigeria: Boko Haram Once Again Bigger, More Brutal

By Ashish Kumar Sen

A Violent Militia Moves Toward Its Goal: an ‘Islamic Caliphate’ in Africa’s Sahel Region As world attention fixes on the terrorist attacks in Paris, Africa’s most prominent Islamist militant group has massacred as many as 2,000 people in northeastern Nigeria. This new violence by Boko Haram—a movement described as “Africa’s ISIS”—is the latest in its […]

Africa Nigeria

New Atlanticist

Jan 12, 2015

US Energy Policy: Seek Diversification for Europe

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Energy Envoy Amos Hochstein Urges Creation of a True Euro-Energy Market, Including Russia Europe must diversify its energy sources to avoid the threat of Russia again shutting off its gas supply, said Amos Hochstein, the State Department’s Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs. About one-third of Europe’s gas comes from Russia, which has […]

Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Jan 12, 2015

Congress Should Reverse Strictures on US Defense Spending, Stackley Says

By Ashish Kumar Sen

US Navy’s ‘Acquisitions Executive’ Describes Rising Challenges The Congress must roll back limits on US defense spending, particularly in light of the heavy investments countries such as China and Russia are making in their navies, according to Sean J. Stackley, the assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development, and acquisition.

New Atlanticist

Jan 11, 2015

For France, ‘Solidarité’ Against Terror

By Nicholas Dungan

French Response to Islamist Violence Reflects Political Values and a Sense of National Mission France’s people and leaders have shown a unity and dignity following last week’s terrorist attacks that honor the country’s political culture of tolerance and reaffirm its success in confronting terrorism. France thus constitutes a valuable role model for other democracies and […]

France

New Atlanticist

Jan 9, 2015

Sri Lanka Election: A ‘Win for Democracy’

By Ashish Kumar Sen

A Longtime President’s Departure Gives US ‘an Opportunity,’ Gopalaswamy Says The defeat of Sri Lanka’s long-serving president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, presents an opportunity for the United States to deepen its ties with the South Asian island nation, which has grown closer to China over the past decade, says Atlantic Council analyst Bharath Gopalaswamy. Rajapaksa, who was […]

South Asia

New Atlanticist

Jan 8, 2015

France Responds to Paris Attack by Stressing ‘Fraternité’

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Restrained Popular Reaction Will Reduce Gains for Extremists, Says Nicholas Dungan A restrained response by France’s political mainstream to yesterday’s killings in Paris—peaceful street vigils and the ringing of church bells—may reduce the risk of an anti-foreigner backlash, says Atlantic Council analyst Nicholas Dungan. That in turn will limit the assault’s impact in strengthening radicals […]

Europe & Eurasia France

New Atlanticist

Jan 7, 2015

The Killings in Paris: A Shocking ‘New Normal’

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Only Deep Changes in Middle East Will End the New Strain of Terrorism, Atlantic Council’s Pavel Says The killing by masked gunmen of at least a dozen journalists and others in Paris is an “unfortunate new normal” in an era marked by Islamist extremism’s Generation 3.0—a strain more virulent than that of al Qaeda, according to […]

France Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jan 7, 2015

A Troubling New Obstacle for Syrians Fleeing War

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Lebanon’s Restriction on Entry Sets ‘Significant Precedent,’ Atlantic Council’s Itani Says This week’s decision by the Lebanese government to impose visa restrictions on Syrians fleeing a bloody civil war is “quite dramatic” and sets a “significant precedent” for Syria’s neighbors, which are struggling to care for masses of refugees, according to Faysal Itani, resident fellow […]

Middle East Syria

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