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
Jul 29, 2025

The Russia pressure menu: Options to convince Putin to negotiate on Ukraine

As the US president cuts his deadline for Russia to ten days, there are several options for him to increase pressure on Moscow to pursue peace.

New Atlanticist
Jul 24, 2025

Dispatch from Manila: A lesson in calling out Chinese maritime aggression

By
Markus Garlauskas, Philip W. Yu

As the Philippines has focused more on Chinese threats to itself, Manila also seems increasingly inclined to see its own security as connected to that of the broader region.

China
Indo-Pacific

New Atlanticist
Jul 1, 2025

The US must enforce sanctions to prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear program

By
Kimberly Donovan

To ensure that Tehran cannot get its hands on the financial resources it would need to rebuild its nuclear program, Iran sanctions enforcement should start with China.

Economic Sanctions
Iran

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New Atlanticist

Oct 5, 2009

Obama vs. the Generals

By James Joyner

The underground clash between General Stanley McChrystal and the Obama administration has kicked into high gear, with two more four-stars joining the fight: CENTCOM chief David Petraeus and National Security Advisor Jim Jones.

New Atlanticist

Oct 2, 2009

Whither Europe’s Left?

By James Joyner

The magnitude of the win of Angela Merkel’s coalition, coming on the heels of a center-right romp in the recent European Parliament elections and the ouster of several socialist-leaning governments in recent months, has spawned much hand-wringing about the decline of Europe’s Left.

Germany

New Atlanticist

Oct 2, 2009

Black Sea to Supply Europe’s Energy?

By Alexandros Petersen

The Black Sea region could replace Russia as Europe’s primary source of energy in the coming decades. Speaking on October 1 at the Atlantic Council’s Black Sea Energy and Economic Forum (BSEEF), Mehmet Uysal, the Chairman of Turkish Petroleum (TPAO) argued that while the greater Black Sea region is emerging as an important hub for […]

Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Oct 1, 2009

McChrystal: Biden Afghanistan Plan ‘Short-Sighted’

By James Joyner

Stanley McChrystal, the general in charge of the NATO mission in Afghanistan, says the Obama administration needs to make up its mind on quickly on a strategy — and rejected the idea of lowering the bar.

Afghanistan NATO

New Atlanticist

Oct 1, 2009

Galbraith Fired, Refused to Hide Afghanistan Election Fraud

By James Joyner

The UN’s number two official in Afghanistan, Peter Galbraith, has been fired after a clash with head of mission Kai Eide over how to handle fraud in the recent presidential elections. Galbraith alleges that Eide is covering up massive corruption for reasons of expediency.

Afghanistan

New Atlanticist

Sep 30, 2009

EU: Georgia ‘Triggered’ Russia’s Illegal Invasion

By James Joyner

As widely anticipated, an EU report on last year’s Russian invasion of Georgia finds plenty of blame to go around, finding that Tblisi “triggered” the conflict but that Moscow violated international law by its invasion and with numerous atrocities thereafter.

European Union International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Sep 30, 2009

Afghanistan: Barriers to State Building

By Don Snow

Assume for argument’s sake that the war in Afghanistan can be “won”: objectives can be formulated that are acceptable to all parties and through a combination of political and military actions, the opposition can be vanquished. If the war is won, however, will the peace be won or lost?

Afghanistan

New Atlanticist

Sep 30, 2009

Making Nuclear Weapons Impotent and Obsolete

By Harlan Ullman

On March 23, 1983, in a speech to the nation announcing the Strategic Defense Initiative, U.S. President Ronald Reagan pledged to make “nuclear weapons impotent and obsolete.” The left immediately attacked Reagan and his initiative was ridiculed as “Star Wars.” Ironically, President Barack Obama is on his way to making good on Reagan’s pledge. And […]

New Atlanticist

Sep 30, 2009

Dining with a Dictator

By Andrew Kessinger

Very rarely are mere students afforded the chance to meet with heads of state. So when invited to dine with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad last week, I accepted.

New Atlanticist

Sep 29, 2009

Obama Muddling Through

By Arnaud de Borchgrave

President Obama the juggler has been spinning too many plates.

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