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.

Albright: NATO is Much More than Afghanistan

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.

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Albright: NATO is Much More than Afghanistan

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

Albright: NATO is Much More than Afghanistan

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

May 20, 2010

Albright: NATO is Much More than Afghanistan

By James Joyner

"NATO is much more than Afghanistan," former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, chair of the Group of Experts advising the Alliance on its Strategic Concept, told the Atlantic Council. 

New Atlanticist

May 20, 2010

Stavridis: 2% is 2%

By James Joyner

Admiral Jim Stavridis, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander, isn’t very sympathetic to arguments that Allies can’t afford to meet their commitments because of the dire economy.  “Two percent is two percent,” he flatly stated. In a speech to the Atlantic Council, Stavridis noted that, despite the downturn, NATO is incredibly wealthy, with a combined GDP of […]

New Atlanticist

May 19, 2010

When the Kremlin Smiles, Beware the Teeth

By Henrik Liljegren

"The face of modern Russia is a smiling face,” Russian President Medvedev said on April 26. “But other countries must smile back at us.” Lately news about Russia’s relations with the West has led to all sorts of speculation and comments.

Black Sea Energy

New Atlanticist

May 19, 2010

The Black Sea as the New North Sea

By Boyko Nitzov

The North Sea region went from being an area of gas exporters to importers and then back to being exporters.  History may well repeat itself in the Black Sea region.

Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

May 19, 2010

Trouble in River (Thames) City?

By Harlan Ullman

Britain’s May 6 election and the formation of the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government were remarkable events. With Tory leader David Cameron as prime minister and Lib Dem head Nick Clegg as deputy PM, some commentators regard this union as transformative in changing the way British politics are conducted.

Elections Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

May 18, 2010

NATO: Reboot or Delete?

By Sarwar Kashmeri

It would be a pity to let NATO fade away; because it will then have to be reinvented someday. And that will not be easy. Today’s NATO is an increasingly dysfunctional organization, still searching for a new role two decades after the end of the Cold War. Left dangling in this state NATO will soon […]

European Union International Organizations

New Atlanticist

May 18, 2010

Political Correctness

By Arnaud de Borchgrave

A gaffe in Washington is when someone inadvertently blurts out the truth. There is a reluctance in the nation’s capital, bordering on paralysis, to be politically incorrect. After six decades as a journalist, I have no hesitation in casting political correctness aside if it shades or distorts the truth.

New Atlanticist

May 17, 2010

The Trajectory of NATO: An Interview with Andrew Bacevich

By Jason Harmala

In his latest New Atlanticist Podcast, Atlantic Council senior fellow Sarwar Kashmeri spoke with Boston University Professor of International Relations and History Andrew Bacecvich on NATO’s Strategic Concept and the trajectory of the Alliance.

New Atlanticist

May 17, 2010

Renewing the International Order

By Kurt Volker

After eight months of reflection, the senior Group of Experts appointed by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, and led by former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, issues its report today. On this basis, the secretary general will prepare a new Strategic Concept for Allies to approve at a summit in Lisbon this November. […]

New Atlanticist

May 17, 2010

Shahzad’s Pashtun Connection

By Don Snow

Why Faisal Shahzad, the Times Square attempted bomber, decided to mount the terrorist attack against his adopted country has been the subject of a great deal of speculation in the two weeks since it occurred. Most of the analysis has not been very helpful, filled with the kinds of platitudes that run through the terrorism […]

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