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.

A NATO ally holds the key to Europe’s drone wall, and it isn’t Washington

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
A NATO ally holds the key to Europe’s drone wall, and it isn’t Washington

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
A NATO ally holds the key to Europe’s drone wall, and it isn’t Washington

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.

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Content

TURKEYSource

Jul 23, 2026

A NATO ally holds the key to Europe’s drone wall, and it isn’t Washington

By Tolga Demiryol

Europe's drone wall aspirations are constrained by industrial capacity. Turkey may be the NATO ally that can close the gap.

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

UkraineAlert

Jul 21, 2026

Civilian control over the armed forces is crucial for Ukraine’s future

By Olena Tregub

A political crisis erupted in wartime Ukraine last week over the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov following a power struggle with Ukrainian army Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, writes Olena Tregub.

Civil Society Conflict

In the News

Jul 17, 2026

Yevgeniya Gaber comments on Ukraine’s evolving military strategy in Publico
Defense Policy Security & Defense

UkraineAlert

Jul 16, 2026

Ukraine’s tech-savvy defense minister ousted in clash with army old guard

By Peter Dickinson

President Zelenskyy's decision to side with the army old guard and oust Ukraine's tech-savvy Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has sparked a political crisis and raised questions over the country's future direction, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Defense Policy

Dispatches

Jul 10, 2026

The Ankara summit previewed the Gulf’s new security equation

By Joze Pelayo

The war with Iran and the continued stalemate in the Strait of Hormuz have accelerated a trend that was already underway.

Conflict Defense Industry

UkraineAlert

Jul 9, 2026

NATO summit dashes Putin’s hopes of outlasting the West in Ukraine

By Peter Dickinson

This week's NATO summit in Ankara focused on demonstrating a united front in support of Ukraine. This was a major blow for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, who still hopes Western disunity can hand Russia victory in Ukraine, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Defense Policy

Dispatches

Jul 9, 2026

Eleven takeaways from the NATO Summit in Ankara 

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts break down the most important developments coming out of the Ankara summit.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Dispatches

Jul 6, 2026

NATO’s new Arctic presence shows that European allies are stepping up

By Jason C. Moyer

The Alliance is increasingly focused on the Arctic through exercises and capacity-building, but not yet with a unified strategy.

Defense Policy NATO

In the News

Jul 6, 2026

Budginaite-Froehly published in the Martens Centre

By Atlantic Council

On July 6, nonresident senior fellow Justina Budginaite-Froehly published a report with the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, "Europe’s Rearmament Dividend: Turning Defence into Industrial Renewal," outlining how Europe should expand and sustain increased defense industrial capacity.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

UkraineAlert

Jul 4, 2026

Putin may gamble on mobilization to rescue Russia’s Ukraine invasion

By Mykola Bielieskov

With the tide turning in Ukraine's favor on the battlefield and Russian manpower problems mounting, Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin may soon be forced to gamble on a politically risky mass mobilization in order to rescue his invasion, writes Mykola Bielieskov.

Conflict Defense Policy
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Experts

Staff

Imran Bayoumi

Deputy Director and Resident Fellow

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

Fellow

Mark Brunner

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy

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
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Events

Public Event Thu, August 27, 2026 • 3:45 pm ET

AI and autonomy on the modern battlefield
Artificial Intelligence Defense Industry Defense Policy Defense Technologies