Content

Issue Brief

Nov 6, 2026

To settle Russia’s Ukraine war, Europe needs to let Kyiv in. Trump can help (really).

By James Batchik, Andrew D’Anieri

Any deal to end the war in Ukraine must fix a date for Kyiv to join the EU, but countless hurdles stand in the way. Washington has the leverage to help Brussels clear them—if it can use that leverage in a new way.

European Union Political Reform

Issue Brief

Nov 2, 2026

How to prevent an energy quarantine of Taiwan

By Joseph Webster

An all-of-the-above energy strategy in Taiwan can help the United States and allies deter a Chinese energy quarantine of the island.

China Energy & Environment

Issue Brief

Oct 29, 2026

The relationship between female leadership, political freedom, and the rule of law

By Helena Fee Rasch

How is female leadership in public service associated with two institutional outcomes: political freedom and rule of law? Understanding the broader implications of women’s representation in leadership roles can inform strategies to preserve and promote freedom, democracy, and prosperity.

Freedom and Prosperity Political Reform

Issue Brief

Oct 27, 2026

Any means necessary: Are courts safe in the digital age?  

By Lisandra Novo

Reports are on the rise of hacks at federal courts in the United States, putting sensitive data, such as informants' identities, at risk. In litigation involving spyware, even more sensitive data is at risk. What protective measures should be in place to safeguard evidence?

Cybersecurity Human Rights

Issue Brief

Oct 20, 2026

Canadian west coast oil as a hedge for East Asian energy security

By Joseph Webster

Canadian oil imports can provide insurance and reliability for East Asian countries amid the instability of oil supply from the Middle East.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Issue Brief

Oct 15, 2026

Measuring Europe’s rearmament: A year of the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030

By Eva Mulholland, Aurélie Vittot

One year since the EU debuted its "Defence Readiness Roadmap," with forty-five milestones Europe must meet to take responsibility for its own defense by 2030, is the EU on track?

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

Issue Brief

Oct 15, 2026

Toplines: Twenty-five years after anthrax, the US still is not prepared for a biological attack

By Robert Bradley, John T. O’Brien

The anthrax events of 2001 transpired twenty-five years ago. The US still needs better preparation against biological attacks.

National Security

Issue Brief

Oct 14, 2026

Ensuring US military readiness in the face of water, power, and fuel shortages

By Michael Dunn, Abraham Holland, Marcus Lee

US overseas military installations depend on host nations for power, fuel, and water. A comprehensive review and investment plan is urgently needed to meet the energy and infrastructure security requirements of modern warfare.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

Issue Brief

Oct 14, 2026

Optimizing the NATO 1.5 percent investment commitment for energy security

By Chuck Dockery, Joel Spangenberg, Thomas Winter

NATO's 1.5 percent resilience pledge can be leveraged to build a capability-based energy framework, drawing from lessons in Ukraine and globally.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

Issue Brief

Oct 9, 2026

Enabling NATO’s technological transformation

By David Julazadeh

NATO faces persistent challenges in translating technological potential into operational capability. Recent analysis of NATO innovation efforts suggests that the limiting factor is often the ability of organizations and operators to adopt, experiment with, and implement new capabilities effectively.

Defense Industry Defense Technologies