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
Jul 29, 2025

The Russia pressure menu: Options to convince Putin to negotiate on Ukraine

As the US president cuts his deadline for Russia to ten days, there are several options for him to increase pressure on Moscow to pursue peace.

New Atlanticist
Jul 24, 2025

Dispatch from Manila: A lesson in calling out Chinese maritime aggression

By
Markus Garlauskas, Philip W. Yu

As the Philippines has focused more on Chinese threats to itself, Manila also seems increasingly inclined to see its own security as connected to that of the broader region.

China
Indo-Pacific

New Atlanticist
Jul 1, 2025

The US must enforce sanctions to prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear program

By
Kimberly Donovan

To ensure that Tehran cannot get its hands on the financial resources it would need to rebuild its nuclear program, Iran sanctions enforcement should start with China.

Economic Sanctions
Iran

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New Atlanticist

Jul 16, 2012

Leviathan: The Great European Divide

By Julian Lindley-French

In 1651 English political philosopher Thomas Hobbes wrote “Leviathan” in which he said prophetically, “The only way to erect…a common power, as may be able to defend [men] from the invasion of foreigners, and the inquiries of one another… is to confer all their power and strength upon one man, or upon one assembly of […]

Economy & Business European Union

New Atlanticist

Jul 13, 2012

US and NATO Options for Dealing with Assad

By Sarwar Kashmeri

“Assad must go” seems to be the only refrain in Washington and Brussels. However, America’s national interests may lie in a different direction. Kurt Volker, former US Ambassador to NATO, joins in conversation with Sarwar Kashmeri, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. (8 minute audio podcast)

Syria

New Atlanticist

Jul 13, 2012

Ghosts of History 1, Asian Security 0

By Robert A. Manning

As Secretary of State Clinton and Asia-Pacific ministers gathered in Phnom Penh for a series of security meetings, the telling reality of regional security occurred elsewhere.

China East Asia

New Atlanticist

Jul 13, 2012

US Presidential Campaign Drive Overshadows Larger Issues

By Harlan Ullman

Politics in the United States have deteriorated to the point that winning elections has transcended the need for providing effective government. Perpetual campaigning, matched by a perpetual Easter egg hunt for money, has become the default setting for politicians elected to both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. This year’s presidential election is further evidence of this […]

Elections Politics & Diplomacy

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

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