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.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban Has a New Leader, But it’s His Deputy Who is Raising Eyebrows

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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New Atlanticist

Jul 31, 2015

In Afghanistan, the Taliban Has a New Leader, But it’s His Deputy Who is Raising Eyebrows

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Haqqani Network leader’s appointment could jeopardize peace process in Afghanistan The appointment of the head of a Pakistan-based terrorist network as a deputy leader of the Taliban may prove to be an obstacle in Afghan-led efforts to make peace with the Islamic militants. While confirming reports of the death of its reclusive one-eyed leader, Mullah […]

Afghanistan Pakistan

New Atlanticist

Jul 30, 2015

Senators Make Case for Lifting Crude Oil Ban

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Atlantic Council report sees America’s energy abundance as an invaluable diplomatic tool A top Republican Senator, making the case that energy must be a significant tool in the US diplomatic toolkit, said July 30 that the United States will be “effectively sanctioning” domestic oil producers if it does not lift its ban on the export […]

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Jul 29, 2015

Will Mullah Omar’s Death Doom Peace Process?

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Atlantic Council’s James B. Cunningham says questions already being raised about authority of Afghan militants’ representatives Taliban leader Mullah Omar’s death could call into question the Taliban’s leadership and undermine the Afghan government’s efforts to jumpstart a peace process with the militant group, says the Atlantic Council’s James B. Cunningham. The Taliban July 30 confirmed […]

Afghanistan Pakistan

New Atlanticist

Jul 29, 2015

Bosnian Fault Lines

By Peter Sattler

Bosnia-Herzegovina’s European orientation should not be taken for granted. While the European Union and Bosnia may want closer ties, growing tensions between Sarajevo and the subnational entity Republika Srpska, as well as enduring and pervasive corruption, pose serious challenges to Bosnia’s legitimacy. Safeguarding Bosnia’s European orientation will require Sarajevo and its transatlantic partners to curb […]

The Balkans

New Atlanticist

Jul 29, 2015

China Loses in Battle with Spartans

By Samantha Juster

It was quite a sight: 100 shirtless men dressed as Spartans parading down the streets of Sanlitun, Beijing’s foremost bar and expat district, in order to promote the first anniversary of the salad restaurant Sweetie Salad. Sadly, the parade did not end well. The men, almost all of them tall, muscular Westerners, were arrested for […]

China

New Atlanticist

Jul 28, 2015

Courting Chaos in Libya

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Death sentences for Gadhafi’s son, eight others, another bad move by Tripoli, says Atlantic Council’s Karim Mezran The decision by a Tripoli court to sentence a son of late Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi to death by firing squad is the latest in a series of “self-defeating maneuvers” by authorities in Libya’s capital, says the Atlantic […]

Libya

New Atlanticist

Jul 27, 2015

Turkey’s War in Syria: Of Kurds and Ways

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Deal envisages creation of ‘safe zone’ in Syria, allows US jets to use Turkish base A landmark agreement between the United States and Turkey—that allows US jets to use a Turkish air base to launch strikes against Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) militants and envisages the creation of a “safe zone” in war-ravaged […]

Syria Turkey

New Atlanticist

Jul 24, 2015

Japan’s Energy Strategy for a Post-Fukushima World

By Anand Raghuraman

In June, Japanese energy officials released an eagerly anticipated draft report outlining plans for the country’s 2030 energy mix. Here’s the proposed breakdown:

Japan

New Atlanticist

Jul 23, 2015

Obama’s ‘Most Strategic Itinerary’ in Africa

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Atlantic Council’s J. Peter Pham says President has important reasons to visit Kenya and Ethiopia US President Barack Obama’s decision to visit Kenya and Ethiopia this week underscores the strategic significance of these two sub-Saharan nations to the United States, says the Atlantic Council’s top Africa analyst. Obama arrives in Kenya, his late father’s homeland, […]

Africa East Africa

New Atlanticist

Jul 23, 2015

Mexico’s Inaugural Bid Round: What Happened and What’s Next?

By David Goldwyn and Cory Gill

On July 15, 2015, Mexico announced the results of the first phase of “Round One,” or a series of auctions providing foreign companies access to oil and gas acreage after over seventy-five years of state control of upstream exploration and production. Only two of the fourteen shallow water blocks on offer were awarded—far below the […]

Mexico

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