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 28, 2013

NATO Demise Redux?

By Stephen M. Saideman

Harlan Ullman’s “NATO RIP” seemed like a bit of déjà vu, as people have been predicting the Alliance’s demise pretty much as long as it has been around. This obviously increased after the Soviet Union collapsed and with it NATO’s raison d’etre. However, the reality is that institutions are sticky, including international ones, and disappear […]

NATO Security & Defense

New Atlanticist

Jan 28, 2013

Managing Mali

By J. Peter Pham

Strategically ill-conceived as it might been in a moment of panic and almost stillborn as a result of its bumpy start (thanks to diminished European military logistics capabilities), the French military intervention in Mali has nevertheless altered the dynamics in the fight against al-Qaeda’s regional affiliate. As the United States broadens the hitherto limited assistance […]

Sahel

New Atlanticist

Jan 25, 2013

Optimism After Jordan’s Election

By Danya Greenfield

Against all expectations, Jordan’s parliamentary election this week seems to have generated some optimism. The big questions had little to do with the appeal of specific political platforms or even the candidates themselves, but rather with process and turnout.

Elections Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Jan 25, 2013

All-Volunteer Military a Ticking Time Bomb

By Arnold Punaro

The all-in cost of the all-volunteer force is a ticking time bomb that could explode our defense capabilities if not dealt with responsibly. Unfortunately, the Pentagon does not track the real cost of personnel decisions, making smart reform difficult.

Security & Defense United States and Canada

New Atlanticist

Jan 25, 2013

Strategic Implications of the Euro Crisis

By Jeffrey Lightfoot

The crisis of the Eurozone is likely to have profound strategic implications that will impact Europe’s role in the world and the dynamism of the transatlantic alliance. While it is too early to know exactly how the crisis will shape relations between the United States and Europe, the issue deserves the attention of US policymakers […]

European Union International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Jan 24, 2013

NATO RIP

By Harlan Ullman

A recent half-day conference at a major Washington think tank on “the budget and U.S. defense strategy” was most telling for what was dramatically omitted from a wide-ranging discussion. Not until the final question had NATO been once mentioned.

NATO Security & Defense

New Atlanticist

Jan 24, 2013

The French Mess in Mali and Libya

By Rajan Menon

If you want an illustration of the law of unintended consequences, look no further than Mali. The drama that’s been unfolding there over the past nine months, and that has taken a new turn in the past week, is a perfect illustration.

France Libya

New Atlanticist

Jan 23, 2013

Obama Doctrine, Reagan Doctrine

By James Joyner

As his second term is about to begin, we may finally be seeing the emergence of an Obama Doctrine in foreign policy. It’s one that looks very much like the Reagan Doctrine.

National Security Security & Defense

New Atlanticist

Jan 23, 2013

Why a Grand Strategy Is Needed for Obama’s Second Term

By Anne-Marie Slaughter

First terms are about justifying your place in office. Second terms are about justifying your place in history.

New Atlanticist

Jan 23, 2013

A Security Vacuum in Obama Inaugural Address

By Kurt Volker

In his second inaugural address, President Obama offered these thoughts on winding down an age of conflict: “Enduring security and lasting peace do not require perpetual war.” And, he continued, “We will show the courage to try and resolve our differences with other nations peacefully – not because we are naive about the dangers we […]

United States and Canada

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