Category: Timely Commentary & Analysis

Strategy Session with Denmark’s Minister of Defense Wammen

On August 22, the Atlantic Council hosted an off-the-record strategy session with H.E. Nicolai Wammen, the newly appointed Minister of Defense of Denmark.

Linking Archduke Ferdinand’s Assasination with the Navy’s Future

By Harlan Ullman

This article is adapted from a speech to the United States Navy Strategic Discussion Group on August 21, 2013. This dialogue is vital and while tonight’s topic is “Too Many Archdukes, Too Many Bullets,” I will manfully try to focus on what this means for the Pentagon and for maritime and naval forces. The headline […]

Iran’s Oil Minister Confronts Sanctions

By Sara Vakhshouri

The man appointed to run the most vital ministry in the Iranian government has more than three decades of experience in the inner sinews of the Islamic Republic, with a track record of turning limitations into opportunities and using less confrontational rhetoric than other Iranian officials.

Stability or Democracy: What Do Gulf States Want for Egypt?

In an event moderated by Hariri Center Senior Fellow Richard LeBaron, journalist and commentator Sultan al-Qassemi and Hani Sabra, director for Middle East at the Eurasia Group analyzed Gulf state priorities towards Egypt in light of the turbulent changes taking place after Mohamed Morsi’s ouster.

Conference Call on Iranian President Rouhani’s Inauguration

On August 12, 2013 the South Asia Center’s Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin conducted a briefing call on Iran following President Hassan Rouhani’s inauguration.

Transition Strategy Seminar on NATO’s Challenges

On August 13, the Atlantic Council hosted an off-the-record transition seminar for Ambassador Douglas E. Lute, the newly appointed US permanent representative to NATO.

Discontent in Jordan and Youth Activism

The Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East hosted a private roundtable on August 5 to release a new issue brief, “Jordan’s Youth: Avenues for Activism,” and to discuss how Jordanian youth are engaging in the political process and prospects for coordinated efforts. Hariri Center Director Michele Dunne moderated a discussion with Deputy […]

Reactions and Analysis of Secretary Hagel’s Strategic Review

On August 1, 2013, the Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security held a conference call in reaction to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel’s announcement of the results of the Strategic Choices and Management Review (SCMR).

Status Report on Export Control Reform: A Strategic Imperative for Transatlantic Defense Trade

On July 31, the Atlantic Council hosted the latest event in its Defense-Industrial Policy Series, a discussion with the two officials in the Obama Administration most directly responsible for export control of the products and technologies of the aerospace and defense industry.

Debating the United States’ Role in Afghanistan After 2014

The South Asia Center and the Brent Scowcroft Center for International Security hosted a panel of experts to discuss the winding down of the war in Afghanistan, and what role, if any, should the United States play in shaping the future of Afghanistan.