About
Forward Defense (FD) leads the Atlantic Council’s US and global defense programming, developing actionable recommendations for the United States and its allies and partners to compete, innovate, and navigate the rapidly evolving character of warfare. Through its work on US defense policy and force design, military applications of advanced technology, space security, strategic deterrence, and defense industrial revitalization, it informs the strategies, policies, and capabilities that the United States will need to deter, and, if necessary, prevail in major-power conflict.
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Our focus
Defense industry & innovation
Forward Defense addresses the critical challenges facing the US defense industrial base—from acquisition barriers to emerging technology integration. Through expert analysis, strategic dialogue, and high-level convenings, it shapes policy solutions that drive innovation, strengthen industrial resilience, and support the defense needs of the US and its allies and partners.
Defense strategy & military operations
Forward Defense analyzes the evolving character of war, US defense strategies and the global operating environment to shape national policy, helping manage competition today and providing solutions for the demands of future warfare. It drives informed debate on force development, structure and posture, warfighting concepts, and military readiness to ensure the ability of the US and allies to compete, fight and win across all domains.
Strategic forces
Forward Defense conducts research and puts forward actionable recommendations to help the United States and its allies and partners identify the strategy, policy, and capabilities needed for a strategic forces arsenal that is fit for the current security environment. It defines strategic forces broadly to include issues of nuclear deterrence, space security, homeland missile defense, and long-range strike.
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Our team
Check out the Council’s Young Global Professionals program, a paid internship and professional development program, for timelines and current intern openings with Forward Defense.
Scowcroft Center Military Fellows
Forward Defense hosts military fellows from participating branches of the US military and the armed forces of US allies and partners each year. Meet the 2025-2026 class of fellows:
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The Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security works to develop sustainable, nonpartisan strategies to address the most important security challenges facing the United States and the world.
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