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In-Depth Research & Reports

Jun 6, 2025

How Japanese economic statecraft has shifted from promotion to protection

By Charles Lichfield

Japan is in a geopolitically challenging neighborhood and is witnessing the basic tenets of its foreign policy—from alignment with the United States to fostering a rules-based environment—come under unprecedented stress.

East Asia Economic Sanctions
Cover image for Keeping China at bay and critical minerals stocked: The case for US-Africa defense collaboration

Report

Jun 6, 2025

Keeping China at bay and critical minerals stocked: The case for US-Africa defense collaboration

By Aleksandra Gadzala Tirziu

As Russia, China, and other authoritarian powers expand their global reach, US security is at stake. To stay competitive, the United States must turn to Africa—for both critical minerals and partnership in countering rising adversarial influence on the continent.

Africa Non-Traditional Threats

Issue Brief

Jun 5, 2025

Immediate steps that Europe can take to enhance its role in NATO defense

By Franklin D. Kramer, Kristen Taylor

As NATO members gather in the Hague amid uncertainty about US commitment to the continent and concerns about Russia’s military rebuilding, what can European nations do to deter and, if necessary, defeat threats from Moscow?

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Issue Brief

Jun 5, 2025

The world needs a maritime ‘elite league’ to combat rogue shipping

By Elisabeth Braw

The International Maritime Organization was created to address ocean safety. As member states have begun to erode and undermine the organization, there is need for coalitions of the willing or a maritime "elite league' to come together and enforce stricter enforcement of international maritime rules and regulations.

Economy & Business International Organizations

Issue Brief

Jun 4, 2025

US interests can benefit from stronger congressional ties with the Caribbean  

By Wazim Mowla, Maite Gonzalez Latorre

The US has a northern border, a southern border, and a third border: The Caribbean. Inconsistent US policies have weakened ties. Stronger and more consistent congressional engagement can build lasting cooperation, safeguard US interests, and support regional growth.

Caribbean Economy & Business
British Army soldiers during Steadfast Dart 25, the Allied Reaction Force’s first large-scale exercise, in Romania on February 17, 2025. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)/Flickr, https://www.flickr.com/photos/nato/54354207050/in/album-72177720324100561.

Issue Brief

Jun 2, 2025

For NATO in 2027, European leadership will be key to deterrence against Russia

By Scott Lee, Andrew Michta, Peter Jones, and Lisa Bembenick

NATO lacks the operational integration, logistics, and joint force capabilities needed to quickly counter Russian mass and tempo near its borders. With the United States increasingly focused elsewhere, how can the Alliance retain military superiority in 2027 without overreliance on US military might?

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

Report

Jun 2, 2025

In Syria’s fragile transition there’s a glimmer of a more stable Middle East

By Charles Lister

Despite the risks and unknowns, prioritizing on shaping a stable and capable central government in Syria should be the only option on the table for the US and NATO.

Democratic Transitions Middle East

Report

Jun 2, 2025

2024 in the rear view

By Rich Outzen

The developments and changes in the security and defense environment of 2024 carry significant implications for the US, Turkey, and their NATO partners in 2025.

Conflict Defense Industry

Report

Jun 2, 2025

Q&A with Haluk Bayraktar

By Atlantic Council Turkey Programs

The CEO of Baykar discusses his company's pioneering role in the drone industry.

Defense Industry Defense Technologies

Report

Jun 2, 2025

Q&A with Dov Zakheim

By Atlantic Council Turkey Programs

Defense Journal Honorary Advisory Board Member Dov S. Zakheim discusses the recent tensions between US allies Israel and Turkey, and the potential role of the US as a mediator.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

Experts