In-depth research and reports

Transformative priorities for national defense

By Franklin D. Kramer and Lt. Col. Matthew R. Crouch

Today, the United States faces multi-theater and multi-domain challenges different from any presented since World War II—and, in fact, ever. This report addresses these pivotal challenges by advancing key transformative priorities for an effective US national defense strategy, both in the “American theater” at home and in the forward theaters abroad.

From the G7 to a D-10: Strengthening democratic cooperation for today’s challenges

By Ash Jain and Matthew Kroenig

With the rules-based democratic order under threat, leading democracies need to develop common strategic approaches that pool their collective influence to confront today’s challenges.

Syrian lives in peril: The fight to preserve Syria’s last humanitarian border crossing

By Salman Husain, Yasmine Chawaf

A new Atlantic Council report, “Syrian Lives in Peril: The Fight to Preserve Syria’s Last Humanitarian Border Crossing,” places humanitarian considerations at the forefront of the cross-border debate. In addition to examining the devastating impacts of losing Bab al-Hawa, this report explores the limitations of cross-line operations (from government-held areas of Syria to areas outside of its control), which are presented as feasible alternatives.

Enhancing US-Japan cooperation on global supply chains

By Miyeon Oh, James Hildebrand

Mounting US-China tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic have led to growing calls in the United States and among its allies and partners, including Japan, to address the vulnerabilities in global supply chains critical to national security and economic competitiveness.

Combatting corruption in the Northern Triangle: Prioritizing a whole-of-society approach

By María Fernanda Bozmoski, Carlos Hernández, Roberto Rubio and Domingo Sadurní

Public corruption and weak rule of law are arguably the most persistent and long-standing challenges for strengthening democratic institutions and sustaining inclusive economic development in the Northern Triangle. Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador have grappled with widespread corruption that has fueled mistrust in political and wealthy elites, eroded democratic norms, exacerbated poverty, widened social inequality, and contributed to the conditions that force migrants to leave their homes.

Preparing for decarbonization: Reforming US power markets for the energy transition

By Ben Hertz-Shargel

Deficiencies in the US power sector, paired with the increasing intermittency of renewables on the grid, pose challenges to meeting heightened clean electricity goals. In this report, GEC senior fellow Ben Hertz-Shargel evaluates the policy, market, and technological challenges and opportunities for power sector decarbonization.

Conclusion, appendices, and acknowledgements

By The GeoTech Center

An in depth report produced by the Commission on the Geopolitical Impacts of New Technologies, making recommendations to maintain economic and national security and new approaches to develop and deploy critical technologies.

Future of work

By The GeoTech Center

An in depth report produced by the Commission on the Geopolitical Impacts of New Technologies, making recommendations to maintain economic and national security and new approaches to develop and deploy critical technologies.

Assured space operations for public benefit

By The GeoTech Center

An in depth report produced by the Commission on the Geopolitical Impacts of New Technologies, making recommendations to maintain economic and national security and new approaches to develop and deploy critical technologies.

Continuous global health protection and global wellness

By The GeoTech Center

An in depth report produced by the Commission on the Geopolitical Impacts of New Technologies, making recommendations to maintain economic and national security and new approaches to develop and deploy critical technologies.

Assured supply chains and system resiliency

By The GeoTech Center

An in depth report produced by the Commission on the Geopolitical Impacts of New Technologies, making recommendations to maintain economic and national security and new approaches to develop and deploy critical technologies.

Enhanced trust and confidence in the digital economy

By The GeoTech Center

An in depth report produced by the Commission on the Geopolitical Impacts of New Technologies, making recommendations to maintain economic and national security and new approaches to develop and deploy critical technologies.

Secure data and communications

An in depth report produced by the Commission on the Geopolitical Impacts of New Technologies, making recommendations to maintain economic and national security and new approaches to develop and deploy critical technologies.

Global science and technology leadership

By The GeoTech Center

An in depth report produced by the Commission on the Geopolitical Impacts of New Technologies, making recommendations to maintain economic and national security and new approaches to develop and deploy critical technologies.

Report of the Commission on the Geopolitical Impacts of New Technologies and Data

By The GeoTech Center

An in depth report produced by the Commission on the Geopolitical Impacts of New Technologies, making recommendations to maintain economic and national security and new approaches to develop and deploy critical technologies.

Launching 26 May 2021: Report of the Commission on the Geopolitical Impacts of New Technologies and Data

By The GeoTech Center

On the early morning of 26 May 2021, the Report of the Commission on the Geopolitical Impacts of New Technologies and Data will launch both its interactive report website and downloadable report. Above are two links to our planned events that day.

Proposal for a US-EU Digital Council: Building a comprehensive conversation

By Frances Burwell

As the new Biden administration confronts its foreign policy priorities, it should not avoid the looming digital debate with its European allies. With the European Union serving as the leader in digital regulation, policy on the digital space is by no means aligned between US and European policymakers. From digital taxation to data storage and privacy rights, issues that will define the success or failure of transatlantic digital policy—with hundreds of billions of dollars on the line—remain unsettled.

Domestic violent extremism and the intelligence challenge

By Mitchell D. Silber

Mitchell Silber presents recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the post-9/11 intelligence architecture against the domestic violent-extremist threat, including a more robust collection of social media content.

Predictable strategy and unpredictable operations: The implications of agility in Northern Europe

By Conor Rodihan, Matthew R. Crouch, and Ronald C. Fairbanks

As the US military becomes increasingly agile, its evolving strategy and activities pose implications for cooperation with allies, deterrence, and stability in Northern Europe.

Growing green: Catalyzing climate finance in African markets

By Emilie Bel

While African countries are the most impacted by the effects of climate change, the continent is home to an abundance of natural resources and vibrant economic prospects. To face the climate emergency, overcome the economic shock of COVID-19, and ensure that African economic development is sustainable, growth can only be green. However, tapping into Africa’s vast potential will require mobilizing billions in investment for infrastructure.