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
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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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.

New Atlanticist

Mar 16, 2010

Ukraine’s Success Story

By Edward Lucas

The British journalist Edward Lucas speaks on the need for Ukraine to choose between the Russian dictatorships of the law and the European rule of law.

European Union
International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Mar 15, 2010

NATO-EU Partnership: Small Obstacles Loom Large

By James Joyner

There’s a growing consensus that NATO and the EU must strengthen their cooperation on military planning. Yet the chief obstacles to doing so — they rhyme with Freece and Gurkey — are so taboo Allied leaders are reluctant to mention them by name.

European Union
International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Mar 15, 2010

Stepan Bandera: Hero of Ukraine?

By Alexander Motyl

Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko’s decision to confer the title of Hero of Ukraine on nationalist leader Stepan Bandera on Jan. 22 has unleashed a storm of outrage inside and outside Ukraine. Critics accuse Yushchenko of whitewashing a Nazi-era fascist and betraying the ideals of the Orange Revolution that brought him to power.

Ukraine

New Atlanticist

Mar 12, 2010

Biden’s Israel Boondoggle

By Arnaud de Borchgrave

The anemic Middle East "peace process" is beginning to look like The Fool’s Errand, the computer game that is a meta-puzzle with a cryptic treasure map for a road that’s no longer on the map for the benefit of a wandering fool who seeks his fortune in the mysterious and magical land of Tarot.

New Atlanticist

Mar 11, 2010

Hillary Clinton Hits BRIC Wall Over Iran Sanctions

By James Joyner

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton returned home from Brazil unable to secure cooperation on increased pressure against Iran’s nuclear program. Nick Gvosdev says we shouldn’t be surprised — and that the ramifications go far beyond this one vote.

New Atlanticist

Mar 10, 2010

Iran Sanctions: Failing But Multiplying

By James Joyner

America’s regime of sanctions on Iran are ineffective but we’re likely to see more of them. That’s the conclusion of a panel of experts assessing the state of US-Iran relations at an event rolling out a comprehensive compendium of policies, laws, and regulations pertaining to Iran.

New Atlanticist

Mar 10, 2010

New NATO Strategic Concept Should Work With Russia and Keep Europe Up

By Harlan Ullman

When asked why NATO was strategically important, British Gen. Hastings Ismay wryly answered, “To keep America in, the Soviets out and the Germans down.” Today, more than punchy slogans are needed as the centerpiece for strategy.

New Atlanticist

Mar 9, 2010

What Should NATO’s Strategic Concept Say About Russia?

By Tomas Valasek

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, NATO has strived to reduce mutual suspicions with Russia and to build a more co-operative relationship. So it is vexing that 20 years on, Russia continues to view NATO as a hostile alliance.

New Atlanticist

Mar 9, 2010

Whither Turkey?

By Ziya Meral and Jonathan Paris

Recent arrests and the questioning of top military commanders over an alleged plot to create chaos in Turkey have many in the international media and elsewhere wondering if the Justice and Development Party, or AKP, which came to power in 2002, is spearheading an Islamist takeover.

New Atlanticist

Mar 8, 2010

Russia: NATO Member?

By James Joyner

Should NATO invite Russia to join? The idea isn’t as crazy as it sounds.

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