In this Atlantic essay, Elliot Ackerman warns that thousands of Afghan allies evacuated during the 2021 withdrawal could face deportation without congressional action. He explores the Afghan Adjustment Act, America’s...
As Ukrainian forces reclaim territory from Russia, optimism grows about the war’s outcome. In this Atlantic essay, Elliot Ackerman explores a less discussed reality: victory can be as dangerous as...
Elliot Ackerman examines how lessons from Afghanistan continue to shape the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and Russia in Ukraine.
In this Atlantic essay, Elliot Ackerman explores how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine revealed a critical weakness in America’s national defense: its fragile supply chains. From semiconductor production and advanced manufacturing...
In the aftermath of Uvalde, Elliot Ackerman explores the role of storytelling, media coverage, and cultural narratives in shaping the phenomenon of mass shootings. Drawing on history, psychology, and lessons...
After Ukraine sank Russia’s flagship Moskva with anti-ship missiles, Elliot Ackerman examines whether modern warfare has entered a new age. Through the lens of Marine Corps Force Design 2030, he...
In this essay for The Atlantic, Elliot Ackerman argues that Ukraine’s survival depends not only on weapons but on the logistics required to keep soldiers supplied and combat power sustained....
In this essay for The Atlantic, Elliot Ackerman meets acclaimed Ukrainian filmmaker Oleh Sentsov, whose film Rhino is touring international festivals while he serves in Ukraine’s territorial-defense forces. Through conversations...
Reporting from Ukraine, Elliot Ackerman explores the battlefield realities behind Ukraine’s early successes against Russia. Through conversations with a former U.S. Marine volunteer and Ukrainian defense leaders, he examines anti-armor...
In this Atlantic photo essay, Elliot Ackerman examines Adam Ferguson’s striking portraits of American service members in Afghanistan. Through conversations with veterans and reflections on his own military experience, Ackerman...
In this Atlantic essay, Elliot Ackerman reflects on the rapid collapse of Afghanistan’s military after the U.S. withdrawal. Drawing on his experience as a Marine officer and adviser to Afghan...
Elliot Ackerman examines the moral and strategic consequences of abandoning Afghan interpreters during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
In this Atlantic essay, Elliot Ackerman examines the role cynicism played in America’s relationship with Afghanistan. Drawing on his experiences as a Marine officer and father, he reflects on war,...
Following the assassination of Russian Ambassador Andrey Karlov in Ankara, Elliot Ackerman explores the intersection of terrorism, Turkish-Russian relations, the Syrian civil war, and the dangers of geopolitical escalation in...
In Gaziantep, Turkey, Elliot Ackerman meets two Syrian refugee poets whose lives and work have been shaped by revolution, exile, and civil war. Through poetry, activism, and personal sacrifice, they...