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.

Georgia’s Argument for the Virtues of Divided Government

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

Jul 18, 2013

Georgia’s Argument for the Virtues of Divided Government

By Michael Cecire and Laura Linderman

Doom and gloom have dominated the narrative during the nine months since Georgia’s October 2012 parliamentary elections. Since the Georgian Dream (GD) coalition won a surprise victory at the polls over the incumbent United National Movement (UNM), chaos and polarization have characterized the political landscape. Cohabitation, in which GD’s Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili must share […]

Elections Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Jul 17, 2013

No Time to Turn Our Backs on Egypt

By Brent Scowcroft and Eric D.K. Melby

In the wake of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi’s eviction from office by the country’s military amid an unprecedented mass uprising, there have been calls for Washington to reduce or suspend its aid to this critical ally in the Middle East. Such action would be short-sighted and represent a vote of no confidence in Egypt, not […]

Elections North Africa

New Atlanticist

Jul 17, 2013

Operation Irresolute Support

By Julian Lindley-French

In 1842 Sir Charles Napier wrote perhaps the most succinct telegram in military history to mark his success at the end of the First Anglo-Afghan War – “Peccavi,” he wrote, “I have sinned.” It was a play on words as Napier had just conquered what is today the Pakistani province of Sindh. In another play […]

Afghanistan

New Atlanticist

Jul 16, 2013

Why Jordan Hesitates to Back Syrian Opposition

By Henry Johnson

As the United States prepares to provide weapons to Syrian rebels, it will rely on Turkey and Jordan to move arms into the country. Jordan will doubtlessly aid the United States, but its willingness to fully support Assad’s ouster remains far from evident. Despite the show of force touted in June’s Eager Lion military exercises, […]

Middle East Missile Defense

New Atlanticist

Jul 12, 2013

The Enormity of Mandela’s Struggle

By Rajan Menon

Nelson Mandela is now waging what mere mortals would see as life’s greatest battle: the one to stay alive. But Mandela, a larger-than-life figure, would probably not see it that way; for him the battle was always about something that transcended his person.

Politics & Diplomacy South Africa

New Atlanticist

Jul 12, 2013

End of the Military Strongman?

By Kathryn Alexeeff

The success of Pakistan’s democratic elections in May and the outcome of the recent protests in Egypt point to a shift in both countries’ military participation in politics – while they will support or depose governments, they no longer seem interested in ruling the countries themselves.

Economy & Business Elections

New Atlanticist

Jul 11, 2013

TTIP: A Ray of Hope for European Defense?

By Leo Michel

It’s been two years since then defense secretary Robert Gates, noting that the US share of NATO defense spending had risen from 50 to 75 percent since the end of the Cold War, sent this blunt message to Europe: “(I)f current trends in the decline of European defense capabilities are not halted and reversed, future […]

Economy & Business European Union

New Atlanticist

Jul 11, 2013

How France ‘Set the Standard’ for Crisis Intervention

By Julian Lindley-French

A very senior British general said of Operation Serval in Mali that France had “set the standard” for crisis military interventions. Praise indeed and not easily given. One can always tell when a crisis is being managed to effect as the press lose interest.

France Sahel

New Atlanticist

Jul 10, 2013

Mr. President Missing in Action?

By Harlan Ullman

Regional crises abound. Massive protests in Egypt that ended the flailing Morsi government to continued bloodshed from Afghanistan to Syria are representative of these crises.

Intelligence National Security

New Atlanticist

Jul 10, 2013

Chancellor Merkel’s Strategic Opportunity

By Ulrich Speck

If a European leader these days can be called assertive, it’s Angela Merkel. The trouble is, assertiveness is not a foreign policy. Germany is still not thinking strategically—but that is what it needs to do. Receiving Barack Obama in Berlin on June 19, the German chancellor’s bold approach was on full display. She lectured the […]

Economy & Business European Union

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