New Atlanticist

Feb 11, 2020

Trump’s national security advisor touts new “streamlined” National Security Council

By David A. Wemer

Less than five months on the job, US National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien reported that the National Security Council was in the final stages of a reorganization that would get it “back to a manageable size.” O’Brien, who succeeded John Bolton as the assistant to the president for national security affairs in October, explained that he has led a “right-sizing” of the National Security Council which will bring its total number of staffers from 175 to 110 by the end of the month.

China Economy & Business

Media mentions

Agenda

Since its inception in 1947, under President Harry S. Truman, the  role of the National Security Council (NSC) has been to advise and assist the President on national security and foreign policy matters. 73 years later, the range and complexity of national security threats which the NSC tackles is unprecedented. From autocratic great powers like China and Russia challenging the US’ liberal-democratic model, to global pandemics and crises brewing in the Middle East, the world is at a turning point not seen in a generation.

What do policy advisors and national security officials in NSC think are the key issues affecting the United States in the next decade? Is the institution ready to tackle the security challenges  ahead, and how does innovation in its organizational model allow it to better serve citizens?

Opening remarks by

Mr. Frederick Kempe
President and CEO
Atlantic Council

Introductory remarks by

Mr. Stephen Hadley
Former Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (2005-2009)
National Security Council
Founding Principal
RiceHadleyGates LLC

Remarks by

Ambassador Robert O’Brien
Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
National Security Council

Moderated by

Ms. Margaret Brennan
Senior Foreign Affairs Correspondent
CBS News
Moderator
Face the Nation

The View from the West Wing: A Conversation with Robert O’Brien, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs

New Atlanticist Feb 11, 2020

US taking right approach with China over coronavirus, former White House official says

By David A. Wemer

As world leaders attempt to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus, the United States has been correct to take “a soft touch approach to the relationship with Beijing,” former US homeland security advisor Thomas P. Bossert said at the Atlantic Council on February 11.

China Coronavirus
The View from the West Wing: A Conversation with Robert O’Brien, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs

New Atlanticist Feb 4, 2020

What Trump’s State of the Union means for US foreign policy

By David A. Wemer

US President Donald J. Trump used his third State of the Union address to argue that his administration has “launched the great American comeback” through its economic policies and tough international stances. In a speech that focused heavily on domestic issues, his discussion of foreign policy mainly highlighted what he believed to be his major foreign policy successes, rather than announcements of new plans.

China Energy & Environment
The View from the West Wing: A Conversation with Robert O’Brien, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs

New Atlanticist Dec 9, 2019

The race to secure 5G networks: Another Sputnik moment for the United States?

By James L. Jones, Jr.

Another Sputnik moment could be upon us, but this time the threat comes from China. What is urgently needed is another “JFK like” moment where the president takes to the nation the fact that we are in a struggle the likes of which we have not seen before.
China Internet

Geopolitical implications of coronavirus

As the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak continues to accelerate its spread worldwide, the international community is facing a global crisis with public health, geopolitical, and economic repercussions. Go beyond the headlines to access the Atlantic Council’s deep expertise in policy areas impacted by this growing global emergency.