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

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.

Content

New Atlanticist

May 25, 2012

The Joy of Democracy

By Julian Lindley-French

Tahar Ben Jelloun wrote that Egypt has suffered more ordeals than other countries to get where it is. That may or may not be true but to see the enthusiasm of Egyptians as they queue in their millions to vote is joyous. For the first time in five thousand years and some fifteen months after […]

North Africa Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

May 24, 2012

Anchoring the Alliance: An Atlanticist France

By R. Nicholas Burns Damon Wilson and Jeffrey Lightfoot

For over sixty years, an ambivalent France sat at the center of the Alliance. For NATO to thrive in the decades ahead, it needs an energetic France to sustain its Atlanticist instincts. That is particularly important now that François Hollande has been elected as France’s new President. One of Nicolas Sarkozy’s most notable accomplishments as […]

France NATO

New Atlanticist

May 24, 2012

Economic Competitiveness and US National Security

By James Jones

As America considers its global strategy in this still young and opportunity-filled century, we have the chance to deploy a potent but under-utilized asset. This is our nation’s vast and highly capable private sector.

Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

May 24, 2012

Ukraine Is Belarus, not Russia

By Taras Kuzio

Ukraine’s leaders remain convinced they will be treated by the West like Russia, whose human rights violations are largely ignored. In reality, Ukraine is being treated like Belarus, whose human rights situation is scrutinized and regularly condemned. In a speech to Germany’s lower house of parliament, Chancellor Angela Merkel said, “Today we are living in […]

Belarus Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

May 23, 2012

Iran Needs Nuclear Talks To Stabilize Currency

By Barbara Slavin

In the lead-up to today’s negotiations in Baghdad, Iranian officials have labored to insist that they do not need a nuclear agreement with the international community and that their economy can survive more punishment.

Iran

New Atlanticist

May 23, 2012

When Will You Face Strategic Reality, Mr. NATO Secretary General?

By Julian Lindley-French

Dear Mr. Secretary General Rasmussen, You and I share at least one thing: a passionate belief in the Atlantic Alliance and the vital role NATO must and will play in the future defense of our peoples and the security and stability of a fractious and dangerous world.

NATO Security & Defense

New Atlanticist

May 23, 2012

NATO’s Ballistic Missile Defense: A Promising Triumph of Prudence

By Boyko Noev

At their Chicago summit, NATO heads of state and government declared that the Alliance had achieved an interim ballistic missile defense (BMD) capability. This political-military project is one the most important achievements in NATO’s post- Cold War history and goes far beyond the technical aspects of a very unique and complex defense system. First and […]

Missile Defense NATO

New Atlanticist

May 22, 2012

The Lost Alliance: NATO in Chicago

By Tomas Ries

A ship is adrift in a foggy sea. The crew are in their bunks, the officers argue about their mortgages, and the captain has left. The captain has left because the United States no longer believes NATO can contribute significantly against any serious global strategic challenges. An occasional bit player, yes: a partner with the […]

Europe & Eurasia NATO

New Atlanticist

May 22, 2012

Why Centcom Chief Really Wanted Third Aircraft Carrier in the Gulf

By Barbara Slavin

Eli Lake of the Daily Beast reports that Gen. James Mattis, the head of US Central Command, unsuccessfully sought permission to send a third US aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf region in January in an effort to deter Iran from escalating tensions in the Gulf.

Iran

New Atlanticist

May 22, 2012

NATO Muddles Through in Chicago

By James Joyner

The twenty-eight NATO heads of state just met for two days in Chicago and agreed that NATO was a very fine organization, indeed. They then kicked several cans down the road before posing for pictures and having a nice meal. The Chicago Summit Declaration was mostly boilerplate, declaring commitment to the transatlantic bond, the Washington Treaty, the troops […]

Afghanistan NATO

Share

Issue briefs and reports