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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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.

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

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

New Atlanticist

Jan 6, 2015

Mexico’s President Visits Washington; He and US Hope He Can Regain Initiative at Home

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Peña Nieto, Hit By Scandal, Aims to Show Mexicans the Benefits of his Economic Reforms Before Mid-Year Election Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto visits the United States in the midst of the toughest moment of his presidency. He will hope to use his meeting with President Barack Obama today to advance his domestic agenda, according […]

Mexico

New Atlanticist

Jan 5, 2015

Another Greek Crisis for Europe? Not This Time…

By Frances G. Burwell

Europe Will Sustain Slow Economic Growth—and Can Strengthen its Monetary Union by Boosting its Credibility The new year brings a fresh political crisis in Greece, with its unexpected election. Nonetheless, Europe has a serious chance to build the greater cohesion in its monetary union that can help avoid future crises and work toward better economic […]

Europe & Eurasia European Union

New Atlanticist

Dec 23, 2014

Nigeria’s Finance Minister on How Falling Oil Prices Impact on Africa’s Biggest Economy

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Nigeria is surprised by a US decision to slash oil imports from Africa’s top petroleum producer, but is eager to deepen its economic relationship with the US in other areas, according to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s finance and economy minister.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Dec 23, 2014

United States should discourage “patriotic hackers” from attacking North Korea

By New Atlanticist

Atlantic Council Analysts Say No Easy Response for US to Sony Cyber Attack North Korea’s Internet outage this week could be the work of “good ol’ American patriotic hackers,” according to Jason Healey, director of the Atlantic Council’s Cyber Statecraft Initiative. North Korea’s Internet service appeared to be working again on December 23 following a […]

Cybersecurity Korea

New Atlanticist

Dec 22, 2014

Europe-Turkey Tensions Rise as Russia Seeks Partnership with Ankara

By Pınar Dost-Niyego

Three recent events in and around Turkey raise concerns about this country’s direction for the United States and its European allies.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

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