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.

Disband the NATO Response Force: NATO 20/2020 podcast

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
Disband the NATO Response Force: NATO 20/2020 podcast

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
Disband the NATO Response Force: NATO 20/2020 podcast

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

NATO 20/2020

Feb 16, 2021

Disband the NATO Response Force: NATO 20/2020 podcast

By Transatlantic Security Initiative

Replacing the NRF with a plug-and-play interoperability model increases the chance that NATO will employ its high-readiness forces.

Crisis Management Defense Policy

Event Recap

Feb 16, 2021

Keeping pace with the competition: How the Pentagon can incentivize innovation at the speed of relevance

By Julia Siegel

Anduril CEO Brian Schimpf, Maxar CEO Dan Jablonsky, Atlantic Council Nonresident Senior Fellow Dr. Melissa Flagg, and NDIA Chairman MajGen Arnold Punaro joined Forward Defense for a Captains of Industry discussion on how the Department of Defense can adapt acquisition practices to improve its access to the US innovation base.

China Defense Industry

In the News

Feb 12, 2021

Nurkin discusses wargaming on Janes World of Intelligence podcast

By Atlantic Council

On February 12, Forward Defense Nonresident Senior Fellow Tate Nurkin appeared on the Janes World of Intelligence podcast to discuss wargames: how to run them, the requirements for them, and how they benefit us. Nurkin argued that wargames have been frequently misunderstood, yet offer a chance to craft sounder policies for handling foreign policy crises.

Defense Policy Education

In-Depth Research & Reports

Feb 12, 2021

Toward a future EU-UK relationship in foreign policy and defense

By Gen. Stéphane Abrial, Sir Peter Westmacott, Olivier-Rémy Bel

The UK and the EU will continue to share the same geography, the same strategic environment, and the same values, a reality recognized on both sides of the Channel. As the UK moves on from the Brexit process, it should find in the EU a partner sharing the same values and aspirations.

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Feb 11, 2021

Starling interviewed by Government Matters on the next National Defense Strategy

By Atlantic Council

Forward Defense Deputy Director Clementine Starling discusses her latest op-ed on how the United States should regain its competitive advantage vis-a-vis great-power rivals in its next National Defense Strategy.

Conflict Defense Policy

Event Recap

Feb 11, 2021

Foreseeing the future of warfare: Indo-Pacific nations lead in emerging defense innovations

By Julia Siegel

Indo-Pacific experts joined the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Center and its Forward Defense practice for a discussion on Nonresident Senior Fellow Tate Nurkin’s latest report on "The Five Revolutions: Examining Defense Innovation in the Indo-Pacific Region."

China Defense Industry

In the News

Feb 11, 2021

Captains of Industry event featured in SpaceNews

By Atlantic Council

On February 10, Forward Defense and Resident Senior Fellow Steven Grundman convened an event with Maxar CEO Daniel Jablonsky and Anduril CEO Brian Schimpf on "Innovating the Business Model of Defense." SpaceNews referenced the conversation in an article on Maxar smallsat developments.

China Defense Industry

In the News

Feb 10, 2021

Ullman writes op-ed on deterrence for The Hill

By Atlantic Council

On February 10, Atlantic Council Senior Advisor Harlan Ullman wrote an op-ed in The Hill titled "It's time to debate the relevance of deterrence." In the piece, Ullman argues that past paradigms of deterrence are inapplicable and unsustainable in coming decades. Instead of applying deterrence to new, unconventional threats, Ullman posits a strategy based in the following: "contain, prevent, defend, and engage."

Defense Policy United States and Canada

In the News

Feb 9, 2021

McInnis quoted in POLITICO on Defense Secretary Austin

By Atlantic Council

On February 9, POLITICO published an article titled “Lloyd Austin takes first steps to repair a battered Pentagon.” In this piece, Forward Defense and Transatlantic Security Initiative Nonresident Senior Fellow Kathleen J. McInnis was quoted on the state of civil-military relations during the Trump administration, noting the erosion of civilian oversight that took place at the Pentagon.

Defense Policy United States and Canada

In the News

Feb 8, 2021

Rodriguez in Defense One on defense spending and priorities

By Atlantic Council

On February 8, Defense One published an article titled "How to reconnect the Pentagon's strategy to its budget" by Forward Defense senior advisor Stephen Rodriguez and Center for Government Contracting research fellow Eric Lofgren.

Defense Industry Defense Policy
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Experts

Fellow

Magnus Nordenman

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Fellow

Aaron C. Norwood

2023-24 Senior US Marine Corps Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

Fellow

Tate Nurkin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Indo-Pacific Security Initiative

China Defense Industry

Fellow

Amos Oh

Nonresident Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Policy Indo-Pacific

Fellow

Rich Outzen

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Atlantic Council Turkey Program

Arabic Central Asia

Fellow

Marvin J. Park

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Defense Policy
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Events

Public Event Mon, April 13, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

Admiral Daryl Caudle on the strategic vision for the US Navy
Defense Policy Maritime Security National Security