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

Stay updated

Explore our unique analysis

Fast Thinking

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

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

New Atlanticist

Apr 15, 2009

Fiat CEO: Cut Wages or No Chrysler Deal

By James Joyner

The Obama administration’s attempt to shepherd a shotgun marriage between Chrysler and Fiat appears to be in serious trouble. Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is demanding major concessions from labor unions before agreeing to any deal — and is offering next to nothing in return.

Economy & Business United States and Canada

New Atlanticist

Apr 15, 2009

5 Questions for Robert Oakley

By James Joyner

Robert Oakley served as U.S. ambassador to Zaire (1979-82), Somalia (1982-84), and Pakistan (1988-92) and as Special Envoy to Somali (1992-1994) and directed State’s Office of Combatting Terrorism (1984-86). I had the opportunity to get his thoughts on some key issues of interest to the Atlantic Council community.

New Atlanticist

Apr 15, 2009

The U.S.-Mexico Drug Problem: In Our Own Neighborhood

By Lynn Roche

Last week President Obama told Europe that the U.S. is going to behave differently in the international arena. Whether you believe this can happen or not, our southern neighbors will be waiting for the same news at the Summit of the Americas and in Mexico this week. We should deliver that message and follow it […]

Mexico United States and Canada

Share

Issue briefs and reports