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.

The US Needs Courage Leadership from Obama to Avoid Conflict

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

Stay updated

Explore our unique analysis

Fast Thinking

When major global news breaks, the Atlantic Council’s experts have you covered—delivering their sharpest rapid insight and forward-looking analysis direct to your inbox.

Experts React

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.

Markup

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

New Atlanticist

Nov 15, 2012

The US Needs Courage Leadership from Obama to Avoid Conflict

By Harlan Ullman

In the United States, 9/11 won’t be easily forgotten as the day terror violated our shores. In Britain, on 7/7, English-born Pakistanis stunned Britain by attacking the London Underground. But, in Europe as a whole, 11/11/11 may have larger emotional impact even nearly a century after World War I ended.

National Security Security & Defense

New Atlanticist

Nov 14, 2012

Hurricane Sandy Sends a Message That More Storms Can Be Expected

By Arnaud de Borchgrave

Polish-born nuclear physicist Marcin Jakubowski and his small band of acolytes are holed up in rural Missouri working on a “civilization starter kit.”

Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Nov 13, 2012

Petraeus the Paper Tiger

By Joshua Foust

Friday’s resignation of CIA Director David Petraeus after admitting to an affair was a shock to the national security establishment in D.C. General Petraeus has enjoyed a reputation of untouchable integrity and vast achievement, and his sudden fall from grace took many by surprise.

New Atlanticist

Nov 13, 2012

Britain and France in Flanders Fields

By Julian Lindley-French

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

European Union International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Nov 9, 2012

NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the Future of the Alliance

By Jan Hamacek

Today almost 350 lawmakers and foreign dignitaries from NATO and its partner countries will descend on the Czech capital Prague, for the 58th Annual Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA). Over the years, the Assembly has come to represent the best of NATO’s democratic tradition—the strong democratic bond that remains unique among military […]

NATO Security & Defense

New Atlanticist

Nov 9, 2012

Arming Syria’s Rebels: The Strategic and Humanitarian Imperative

By Alex Simon

It took less than twenty-four hours for President Barack Obama to run up against his first major foreign policy setback since reelection; the US-backed opposition conference in Doha reportedly began to unravel Wednesday, with several key opposition leaders withdrawing from the initiative.

Security & Defense Syria

New Atlanticist

Nov 9, 2012

US Aviation Detachment Establishes Permanent Presence in Poland

By Ian Brzezinski

On Friday, the United States will inaugurate its first permanent military presence in Poland by deploying an air force aviation detachment (AV-DET) at the Polish 32nd Tactical Airbase in Lask. The detachment will further institutionalize US-Poland military-to-military engagement and is a needed and useful boost to the bilateral security relationship. The detachment consists of some […]

Poland

New Atlanticist

Nov 8, 2012

For the Future Leaders of United States and China, a World of Difference

By Philip Haxel

Two days after US voters head to the polls, the People’s Republic of China will select its next generation of leaders, albeit in a less democratic fashion.

China Elections

New Atlanticist

Nov 8, 2012

Divided Government and America’s Bipartisan Africa Policy

By Peter Pham

After a bitterly fought campaign that was the most expensive in history, the American electorate voted to keep the divided government that many told pollsters was responsible for the gridlock that has seriously weakened the United States. President Obama won a second term, albeit by a far closer margin than his historic 2008 election. Democrats […]

Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Nov 8, 2012

For Obama, a Second Chance in South Asia

By Shuja Nawaz

With a second term assured, President Barack Obama has a shot at making a huge difference in greater South Asia, an opportunity that he failed to take in his first term.

Pakistan South Asia

Share

Issue briefs and reports