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

Jul 12, 2012

The American Pivot Hinges on Europe

By Sven Biscop

Inadvertently or not, the United States is now demanding European strategic autonomy, at least regionally, for its “pivot” to the Asia-Pacific is partially dependent on Europe’s ability to take care of its own business. Henceforth peace and stability in Europe’s neighborhood is first and foremost Europe’s responsibility.

European Union International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Jul 12, 2012

Stilling a Stormy Relationship

By Shuja Nawaz

With the word “sorry,” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently opened the door for the United States to continue to supply its forces in Afghanistan through Pakistan. Getting to this word took months of effort on both sides but “sorry” may not be enough to keep the relationship on an even keel for too long. […]

Pakistan

New Atlanticist

Jul 12, 2012

Can the Franco-British Strategic Defense Relationship Survive?

By Julian Lindley-French

Can the Franco-British strategic defense relationship survive? Yesterday, at the close of a modest lunch in Downing Street, British Prime Minister David Cameron said he had, “found much common ground” with French President Francois Hollande. Following discussions ranging from the Eurozone debt crisis to Syria and Iran Cameron talked of a “strong relationship” and that […]

European Union France

New Atlanticist

Jul 11, 2012

Perception vs. Reality: US Needs to Deliver for Egypt

By Danya Greenfield

Sometimes perception is actually more important than reality. Although the US has appropriated millions of dollars to assist Egypt’s democratic transition—with programs to strengthen the private sector, stimulate economic activity, develop political skills, and encourage civic participation—a recent visit to Cairo confirmed that most Egyptians feel that the United States has done absolutely nothing to support […]

North Africa

New Atlanticist

Jul 11, 2012

Mind the Cyber Gap? Deterrence in Cyberspace

By Brandon Valeriano

The cyber paranoia mentality continues, spreading through hyperbole and fear. While cyber conflict is a real problem and an issue of concern, exaggerated claims of insecurity are the order of the day in the cyber security community.

Cybersecurity Security & Defense

New Atlanticist

Jul 10, 2012

America’s “Please Punch” Pakistan Policy

By Ayesha Jalal

Pakistan’s decision to reopen NATO supply lines after eight months of rancorous exchanges over the killing of 24 of its soldiers by American forces at a border post is a belated exercise in damage control. Precious time has been lost; the few shreds of trust remaining between the two countries have been stretched to the […]

Pakistan

New Atlanticist

Jul 10, 2012

Libya Has Successful Elections but Not Yet Democracy

By Karim Mezran

Nine months after the death of Moammar Gadhafi, the Libyans went to vote for the first time since 1965. Most observers agree this is a major step towards a more pluralistic Libya. The elections were relatively peaceful, free, and fair.

Libya

New Atlanticist

Jul 10, 2012

How About a Free-Trade Deal With Europe?

By Paula Dobriansky and Paul Saunders

Europe’s ongoing economic crisis and the evident discord among its key leaders have profound implications for the United States. Despite a new agreement during the most recent European Union summit last month, the crisis will likely endure for some time, with unpredictable political and economic consequences. Visionary and determined American leadership is essential both to […]

Economy & Business European Union

New Atlanticist

Jul 9, 2012

All at Sea

By Julian Lindley-French

Admiral, the Lord Nelson, one-time senior naval super-person, once said that, “Desperate affairs require desperate measures”. Had he attended the Royal United Services Institute Future Maritime Operations Conference 2012 in London he might have amended that to read, “Desperate affairs require desperate measures…and some new, radical, but above all strategic thinking”.

Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Jul 9, 2012

Afghanistan Update: 900+ Days to Go

By Derek Reveron

There are roughly 900 days to go until NATO plans to shift responsibility for combat operations to Afghan forces in December 31, 2014. This is a long time and the timetable could shift through progress or frustration, but the force that will assume the lead for combat is being built today.

Afghanistan NATO

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