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.

US-Russia Relations: Reset—Fahgettaboudit; Get a New Hard Drive

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

Mar 25, 2011

US-Russia Relations: Reset—Fahgettaboudit; Get a New Hard Drive

By David Smith

American Vice President Joseph Biden whisked through Moscow and Chisinau last week, promoting the Obama Administration’s “reset” of US-Russian relations. Ushering Russia into the World Trade Organization, the VP said, is an American priority. He ticked through the accomplishments attributed to reset, leveled some unvarnished criticisms at his Russian hosts and exited through Moldova, an itinerary that […]

New Atlanticist

Mar 25, 2011

Kabul Spring: The End of the Beginning of NATO Operations in Afghanistan

By Derek Reveron

Spring officially began this week and the nice weather ushered in a new year (1390) in Afghanistan. If the blooming fruit trees and budding roses are indicative, the spring looks promising. To be sure, NATO and Afghan forces anticipate the challenges of a new fighting season. But NATO and Afghan military and police have also […]

New Atlanticist

Mar 24, 2011

Libya: The View from Germany

By Natascha Braumann

Almost a week after Germany’s abstention in the UN Security Council, the domestic political debate is as heated as ever. Lothar Rühl, writing in Wednesday’s Frankfurter Allgemeiner Zeitung, summarizes the confusion and disharmony among NATO allies over the establishment and enforcement of a no-fly zone over Libya. And, almost as an afterthought, he claims that […]

New Atlanticist

Mar 24, 2011

Libya and Africa

By Peter Pham

As Western-led operations against forces loyal to Libya’s Colonel Muammar Gaddafi continue, most analysis in the media has situated events in the context of the developments in the Middle East and its impact on it. Largely forgotten, however, is that Libya is an African power whose fate has significant implications for the rest of the […]

New Atlanticist

Mar 24, 2011

Libyan Quagmire

By Arnaud de Borchgrave

Are we becoming the tribe that lost its head? The war to get rid of Moammar Gadhafi, the Libyan fashion plate wreck, is already running $100 million a day. The White House says it isn’t planning to request emergency funding — at least not yet. The Pentagon will have no choice in the matter. It […]

New Atlanticist

Mar 23, 2011

West’s Goal Must be Gaddafi’s Removal

By Kurt Volker

The launch of Western military operations to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1973 is long overdue, but nonetheless welcome: After weeks of delay, brutal attacks by the regime, and a loss of momentum for the rebellion, Colonel Gaddafi’s counter-revolution might now be halted.

International Organizations Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Mar 23, 2011

NATO’s Libya Command and Control Debate Explained

By James Joyner

A former official with long experience on NATO sends along a concise, if slightly tongue-in-cheek, guide to the intra-alliance debate over NATO’s role in Libya: The Italians want NATO to take over so they can avoid national responsibility (ie, tell their Arab friends "it’s not us, it’s NATO, so we don’t have a choice"). The […]

New Atlanticist

Mar 23, 2011

Atlantic Update 3/23/11: Transatlantic Perspectives Toward Libya

By Klee Aiken

The United States, France, and the United Kingdom have led the diplomatic and coalition effort against forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi in Libya. However, wider coalition support and participation of the Arab League and the broader transatlantic community is essential for the Obama administration, which is keen on avoiding comparisons to the diplomatic rift caused […]

New Atlanticist

Mar 22, 2011

Libya: Why Turning on a Dime Made Sense

By Damon Wilson

Second-guessing is a Washington pastime. Critics are chastising the Obama administration for "turning on a dime" and, after much reluctance to become involved in Libya, moving too quickly to use force against the Gaddafi regime. They argue that the administration’s about-face last Tuesday night has resulted in a lack of clarity in the mission, minimal […]

New Atlanticist

Mar 22, 2011

Libya Primer: Who is In Charge of Allied Forces?

By Jorge Benitez

There is a lot of speculation and misunderstanding about the existing command and control structure for the international military operation in Libya. The truth in this case is not pretty and in flux. The command and control structure of the coalition is messy and complicated. But keep in mind that the current structure was created […]

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