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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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.

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New Atlanticist

Apr 21, 2009

Kazakhstan Withdraws From NATO Exercise

By James Joyner

Kazakhstan has pulled out of an annual NATO training exercise following Russia’s demand that it be canceled. A founding member of the Partnership with Peace, Astana is carefully balancing its relations with the West and its former overlord.

Central Asia NATO

New Atlanticist

Apr 20, 2009

Obama Doctrine: Style But No Substance?

By James Joyner

Clive Crook pokes fun of President Obama for being perhaps a wee bit overly ambitious on both domestic and foreign affairs but admires his enthusiasm. He wonders, however, whether the various efforts to reset America’s relations with the world constitute an “Obama Doctrine.”

New Atlanticist

Apr 20, 2009

Russia Ends Chechnya Campaign

By Valerie Nichols

Russia has finally declared an end to its decade-long anti-terrorism campaign in Chechnya, leaving more power in the hands of the republic’s President Ramzan Kadyrov. Yet the decision, while perhaps symbolic, does not mean Chechnya’s troubles are over.

Russia

New Atlanticist

Apr 19, 2009

NATO Foils Pirate Attacks

By James Joyner

NATO forces thwarted two pirate attacks over the weekend. BBC reports that an attempted attack on a Norwegian tanker was “foiled by NATO warships and helicopters after an overnight pursuit in the Gulf of Aden.” Dutch commandos also freed 20 Yemeni fishermen who had been taken hostage, Reuters reports.

Somalia

New Atlanticist

Apr 17, 2009

Unsung Heroes of the Cold War

By James Joyner

Michael Tomasky, using the occasion of a new biography of Ronald Reagan, revisits the old Gipper v. Gorby debate of “Who Won the Cold War” and rejects the thesis:

New Atlanticist

Apr 17, 2009

NATO Supply Route Through Caucasus Needed

By Tamerlan Vahabov

Instability along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border is making alternative supply routes for NATO troops increasingly necessary.

Afghanistan NATO

New Atlanticist

Apr 17, 2009

Medvedev Pluralism Push: Perestroika II or Good Cop, Bad Cop?

By James Joyner

Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has launched a rhetorical campaign pushing for more openness in his country’s politics. Some analysts see this as an attempt to establish a distinct alternative with Vladimir Putin while others are more skeptical.

Russia

New Atlanticist

Apr 17, 2009

Pirates Convicted in Stockholm. Music Pirates.

By James Joyner

While the world’s attention has been captured by old-style pirates off the coast of Africa, a Swedish judge yesterday issued a landmark ruling against the other kind of pirates.

Economy & Business European Union

New Atlanticist

Apr 16, 2009

Spain Rejects ‘Bush Six’ Torture Trial

By Valerie Nichols

Spain’s Attorney General today rejected a judge’s decision to open an investigation against six Bush Administration officials. The AG’s recommendation was sought by a group of human rights lawyers and the judge hoping to bring cases against “The Bush Six” for their alleged sanctioning of torture.

Southern & Southeastern Europe United States and Canada

New Atlanticist

Apr 16, 2009

Russia: Cancel NATO Exercise with Georgia

By James Joyner

Russian is urging NATO to cancel military exercises with Georgia planned for next month. A current round of demonstrations against Mikheil Saakashvili has only further increased tensions in the region, he noted.

NATO Russia

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