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.

Can the Franco-British Strategic Defense Relationship Survive?

New Atlanticist
Sep 4, 2025

Dispatches from Damascus: The state of Syria’s postwar transition nine months after Assad’s fall

On a recent trip to the Syrian capital, Atlantic Council experts took note of how far the country has come since the Assad regime’s fall and what still needs to happen to secure peace and prosperity.

New Atlanticist
Aug 29, 2025

Twenty questions (and expert answers) about the negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine

By
Atlantic Council experts

August saw a flurry of diplomatic activity to end Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As September nears, Atlantic Council experts share their insights on what to expect next.

Conflict
Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

New Atlanticist
Aug 28, 2025

Germany wants to double its defense spending. Where should the money go?

By
Atlantic Council experts

After decades of Berlin underinvesting in its defense, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has plans to transform the Bundeswehr into Europe’s strongest military.

Defense Policy
Europe & Eurasia

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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.

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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

New Atlanticist

Jul 6, 2012

Supporting Human Rights in Russia Should Be a Core Strategic Interest for US

By Anna Borshchevskaya

On Tuesday, July 10, the Russian Duma will vote on ratification of the agreement for Russia’s entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO). Policymakers in both countries view Russia’s entry as a foregone conclusion. The question before Congress therefore is how best to pressure Russia to respect human rights following its repeal of the Jackson-Vanik […]

Russia

New Atlanticist

Jul 6, 2012

Angela Merkel, Europe’s Weary Mountaineer

By Frederick Kempe

To help illustrate Germany’s historic dilemma as it calculates the risks of rescuing Europe, Ronald Freeman, a London banker friend, conjured up an image of Chancellor Angela Merkel as a weary mountaineer leading a perilous rock climb. Still some distance from safety, Merkel alternates between shouting instructions to those hanging behind her on a taut […]

Economy & Business European Union

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