Issue briefs and reports

Missile defense in Asia

The Atlantic Council asked General Michael Carns, USAF (Ret.), Dr. Jacques Gansler, and Walter B. Slocomb to visit Asia to conduct in-depth discussions with political, military, and business leaders on all aspects of missile defense, including threat assessments, strategic implications, and the likely consequences of missile defense developments for the future security environment and the […]

U.S.-Libyan Relations: Toward Cautious Reengagement

This report discusses the future of US-Libyan relations. It states that the set of laws and regulations that govern US relations with Libya are outdated and recommends the countering of international terrorism as a principal objective for a new strategy. The authors suggest pursuing secondary objectives, such as energy security, containment of Libya’s regional ambitions, […]

Transforming NATO Forces: European Perspectives

By C. Richard Nelson and Jason S. Purcell

The papers in this compendium were prepared for a conference in October 2002 designed to illuminate European perspectives on the growing transatlantic military capabilities gap and on how this gap might be bridged. The conference was organized into four panels: the first focused broadly on capabilities, the second on “Spending More Wisely” initiatives, the third […]

Transforming NATO Forces: European Perspectives

The papers in this compendium were prepared for a conference in October 2002 designed to illuminate European perspectives on the growing transatlantic military capabilities gap and on how this gap might be bridged. The conference was organized into four panels: the first focused broadly on capabilities, the second on “Spending More Wisely” initiatives, the third […]

Risk and Reward: US-EU Regulatory Cooperation on Food Safety and the Environment

This policy paper addresses difference in US-EU regulatory policy in connection with food safety and the environment. The authors examine current trans-Atlantic tensions arising out of several areas of domestic regulations on issues surrounding food safety and environmental protection. Download the PDF

The Twain Shall Meet: The Prospects for Russia-West Relations

This paper examines the trans-Atlantic relations between the US, the EU and Russia. The authors analyze the process of cooperation between Russia and the West and discuss the process of the country’s inclusion into the western economy and security institutions. The paper focuses on three main areas: integration of Russia into the trans-Atlantic and global […]

Staying the course: Opportunities and limitations in U.S.-China relations

This paper discusses US relations with the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan. It is based on a report by a delegation of former military and defense policy leaders that were sent to visit Beijing and Taiwan to examine the longer-term issues in relations among the three countries. The paper concludes by offering recommendations for […]

New Capabilities: Transforming NATO Forces

This paper makes suggestions for the process of NATO force transformation and strategy development. The authors explain that in order to achieve successful future force transformation, NATO must focus on integrating information systems, deploying further precision weapons and creating a spearhead force as a catalyst for transformation. The paper states that the alliance must also […]

Elusive Partnership: US and European Policies in the Near East and the Gulf

This report presents the US-Middle East delegation’s assessment of European attitudes and its conclusions and recommendations for the policies of the US government. The authors analyze the history of US–European relations on the topic of the Middle East and discuss the European attitudes toward the problem as well as the directions and dynamics of the […]