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.

Hillary Clinton Hits BRIC Wall Over Iran Sanctions

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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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 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.

New Atlanticist

Mar 8, 2010

Iraq Vote Hype Premature

By Don Snow

Iraqis went to the polls this weekend in long-anticipated and amidst much analysis and predictions. Given the trillion-plus dollars the United States has dropped in Iraq, our interest in seeing how well we have invested is not surprising.

New Atlanticist

Mar 5, 2010

Are Nuclear Weapons Obsolete?

By James Joyner

Do all sane people agree that a nuclear weapons-free world would be best? Are nuclear weapons militarily obsolete, desirable only for political posturing? That seems to be the consensus of an influential group of European leaders making the rounds in Washington this week. Earlier this week, the Atlantic Council hosted a delegation from the Pugwash […]

New Atlanticist

Mar 5, 2010

Armenia Genocide: Turkey Relations Damaged Over History Lesson

By James Joyner

Once again, the United States Congress — famously unable to reach accord on even simple matters of domestic policy — has spent its precious time making a point of officially calling the Armenian genocide of 1915-17 genocide.

New Atlanticist

Mar 5, 2010

Evaluating a “Surge”

By Don Snow

Since the American offensive in Iraq in 2007 designed to suppress the Sunni-led insurgency in central Iraq, the term "surge" has entered the lexicon of American military activities, achieving an almost iconic position as the answer to multiple politico-military problems.

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