The Atlantic was founded in 1857 and has published some of the most influential essays and reporting in American history. It covers politics, foreign affairs, science, technology, education, and culture, with a focus on ideas and their consequences. The magazine is known for long-form analysis, investigative pieces, and commentary from a range of perspectives. It has won numerous National Magazine Awards and Pulitzer Prizes.

The website includes articles, newsletters, and podcasts. Some content is free, while most requires a subscription. Its coverage often dives into the "why" behind events rather than just the "what," making it useful for readers who want to understand the forces shaping public life. It is not a wire service, and its editorial stance is generally centrist to liberal, but it publishes a range of voices. For anyone interested in serious discussion of current issues, it is a key source.