Defense Policy

Defense Policy

One of the primary responsibilities of governments is to provide for the defense of their citizens and territories against threats from other state and non-state actors. Defense policy makers must make decisions on how best to deploy the military and civilian resources at their disposal to ensure the protection of their nations and their allies.

What a winning European Security Strategy looks like

New Atlanticist Nov 1, 2024

NATO needs a defense industrial strategy that prioritizes being strong, smart, and together

By Kristen Taylor, Luka Ignac

A recent two-day summit underscored the ways in which the credibility of allied deterrence hinges on robust defense industrial cooperation.
Defense Policy Defense Technologies
What a winning European Security Strategy looks like

New Atlanticist Oct 30, 2024

In defense of Draghi’s defense idea: Three models for a centralized defense procurer for the EU

By Thomas Goldstein

Only a European defense procurer can provide the institutional reform to overcome intra- and intergovernmental paralysis and invest at scale.
Defense Industry Defense Policy
What a winning European Security Strategy looks like

New Atlanticist Oct 28, 2024

The US needs a stronger defense industrial base. Option contracts can help.

By Michael Hogan

The US government would pay a premium on current orders, but it would then have the option to purchase a larger amount within a fixed timeframe.
Defense Industry Defense Policy

The Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security works to develop sustainable, nonpartisan strategies to address the most important security challenges facing the United States and the world.

Learn more

Content

Dispatches

Jun 11, 2026

What a winning European Security Strategy looks like

By Aurélie Vittot

The soon-to-be-released framework document is expected to shape the European Union’s policy response to the security challenges at hand.

Defense Policy European Union
Cover Credit: NATO. German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons fly over a remote stretch of Iceland while training with the Swedish Air Force as part of NATO’s Arctic Sentry activity. Arctic Sentry is a NATO vigilance activity aimed at enhancing security in the north, helping to make the Alliance safer. As part of this initiative, Sweden deployed a detachment of six Gripens to Keflavik Air Base to safeguard Icelandic airspace against threats or intrusions. Their deployment is also part of NATO’s Iceland Air Policing mission, marking the first time Sweden has led an air policing mission since joining NATO two years ago as its 32nd member. During their deployment, fighters from the Royal Danish Air Force and the German Air Force joined them for integration training. Situated in the middle of the North Atlantic, Iceland plays a vital role in helping Allies maintain situational awareness in the High North. Photo courtesy of the German Air Force.

Report

Jun 10, 2026

The future of NATO’s deterrence in the air domain

By Edward Brady

European NATO member states need to prepare to deter, and if necessary, defeat Russia—with less US support. When it comes to airpower, here are the actions European states need to take in the short, medium, and long term. 

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Jun 4, 2026

Saab published in the Financial Times on Gulf support for Ukraine

By Atlantic Council

On June 4, Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Bilal Saab published an article in the Financial Times, discussing the benefit of a counter-drone defense partnership between the Gulf states and Ukraine. He argues this partnership would benefit Gulf states by integrating advanced Ukrainian drone defense technology into existing systems and provide Ukraine with much-needed capital.  

Defense Policy Security & Defense

UkraineAlert

Jun 2, 2026

Ukraine is now Europe’s shield but still needs more help to stop Russia

By Olena Tregub

Europeans increasingly recognize Ukraine as the continent's shield against Russian aggression, but this must not fuel complacency over the country's ability to bear the current burden indefinitely, writes Olena Tregub.

Conflict Defense Policy

Issue Brief

May 28, 2026

Information fires: Building C-C5ISRT advantage in competition 

By Martin Zuber, Caleb Eames, Dan Minnocci, Amy Cowley

Countering adversary command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (C5ISRT) has emerged as a critical operational priority.

China Defense Policy

UkraineAlert

May 28, 2026

Ukraine’s battlefield success should not lead us to underestimate Russia

By Peter Dickinson

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has failed to achieve any of its key goals, but this reflects Ukrainian strength rather than Russian weakness. Putin's army remains a formidable threat to Europe that must not be underestimated, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Defense Industry

UkraineAlert

May 21, 2026

As Russian losses mount in Ukraine, Putin seeks more foreign fighters

By Marc Goedemans, Katherine Spencer

With no end in sight to the invasion of Ukraine, Putin is looking to recruit more foreign fighters to counter heavy Russian losses while avoiding a politically risky mobilization, write Marc Goedemans and Katherine Spencer.

Africa Central Asia

UkraineAlert

May 19, 2026

Ukraine’s experience can teach Europe how to defend against Russia

By Valeriya Ionan, Nicolas Dunais

Ukraine's wartime transformation should inform European defense modernization in both technology and doctrine. Europe must now choose: Seize the opportunity to adapt or procrastinate and risk future defeat, write Valeriya Ionan and Nicolas Dunais.

Conflict Defense Industry

UkraineAlert

May 14, 2026

Bulgaria is unlikely to become Putin’s new proxy within the European Union

By Kristian Kafozov

Newly elected Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev is unlikely to replace recently ousted Hungarian leader Viktor Orban as Vladimir Putin's proxy within the EU and NATO, writes Kristian Kafozov.

Conflict Defense Policy

Dispatches

May 5, 2026

‘Zeitenwende’ is anchoring Germany’s role as a Baltic Sea Power

By Anna Wieslander

The Merz government has been keen to emphasize that Germany is a trustworthy and long-term security provider in the region.

Defense Policy Germany
Load More

Experts

Staff

Imran Bayoumi

Associate Director

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Policy Security & Defense

Staff

Charlotte Bertrand

Program Assistant

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Defense Industry

Fellow

Hans Binnendijk

Distinguished Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

Staff

Emerson T. Brooking

Resident Senior Fellow

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Defense Policy Disinformation

Fellow

Ian Brzezinski

Senior Fellow

Europe Center Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Central Europe Defense Policy

Fellow

Jules Burgo-Küntzmann

Visiting Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Defense Policy English
Load More