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.

President Obama to Close Guantanamo Within Year

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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New Atlanticist

Jan 22, 2009

President Obama to Close Guantanamo Within Year

By James Joyner

President Barack Obama is expected to begin to fulfill his campaign pledge to close the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, AP‘s Philip Elliot reports. A senior Obama administration official said the president would sign an order Thursday to shutter the Guantanamo prison within one year.

New Atlanticist

Jan 21, 2009

America and the World After Bush: Diplomacy and Security

By James Joyner

Barack Obama has been president for more than 24 hours now. America is once again beloved by one and all. Hubris and overreach are things of the past, as the inmates of Gitmo have been freed and the troops are all home from Iraq, participating in rebuilding the infrastructure at home. Or, certainly, change is […]

New Atlanticist

Jan 21, 2009

Atlantic Update: EU Economies Struggling

By Peter Cassata

With news understandably focused on the inauguration this weekend, I’ve compiled a roundup of recent transatlantic economic developments that may have been overlooked.

European Union International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Jan 21, 2009

Must Reads for a New Administration

By Robert Manning

For those entering policy-making positions in government, the flood of recommendations, policy reports and analyses that land in their in-box can be overwhelming. Some of these may actually be helpful. But put them aside for now. What makes or breaks those in senior positions is their judgment. And what matters most in shaping judgment is […]

New Atlanticist

Jan 21, 2009

Fulfilling Iraqi and Afghan Dreams and Wishes

By Shuja Nawaz

Although it may surprise many insular people in the United States, the people of Iraq and Afghanistan and the region they inhabit want nothing more than what most Americans dream of. They want peace, a chance to raise their children with good healthcare and education, and an ability to earn a decent living. They do […]

Afghanistan

New Atlanticist

Jan 20, 2009

America and the World After Bush: 12 Step Recovery Plan

By James Joyner

As I write this, Barack Obama is minutes away from taking the oath of office as president of the United States. It’s a fitting time, then, for an overview of the foreign policy challenges and opportunities ahead. Let’s continue our look at Thomas Barnett‘s forthcoming book, America and the World After Bush, with Chapter Two: […]

New Atlanticist

Jan 20, 2009

EU – South Korea Trade Deal Nears

By James Joyner

The EU and South Korea are very close to establishing a free trade zone and expect to finalize a deal in March, AP business writer Kelly Olsen reports.

Economy & Business European Union

New Atlanticist

Jan 19, 2009

America and the World After Bush: A Look Back

By James Joyner

Today is the last full day of the presidency of George W. Bush. Tomorrow, at noon Eastern time, Barack Obama will take the reins of power, inaugurating a new era filled with Hope and Change and Renewing America’s Promise. It is, therefore, a fitting time to look back at the last eight years and ahead […]

New Atlanticist

Jan 19, 2009

Polls: Obama Presidency and Gaza Blame

By James Joyner

The new Atlantic Council poll is on the obvious topic: The presidency of Barack Obama, which begins tomorrow. Readers are asked to predict what kind of president he’ll be: one of America’s greatest presidents; a failed president, overwhelmed by problems; a rather average president.

New Atlanticist

Jan 19, 2009

Russia Threatens Georgia Arms Suppliers

By James Joyner

Russia is ratcheting up the stakes in its conflict with Georgia. AP: President Dmitry Medvedev has ordered the Russian government to introduce economic sanctions against countries supplying weapons to Georgia.

Russia The Caucasus

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