Defense Policy

Security & Defense

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.

Geometries of deterrence: Assessing defense arrangements in Europe’s northeast

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

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

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

In-Depth Research & Reports

Jun 2, 2020

Geometries of deterrence: Assessing defense arrangements in Europe’s northeast

By Hans Binnendijk and Conor Rodihan

Nations in Europe's northeast cooperate through a variety of multilateral security and defense arrangements. "Geometries of Deterrence" assesses how these arrangements individually and collectively contribute to deterrence and defense in Northeastern Europe.

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Jun 1, 2020

Couch in RealClearDefense: The imperative of talent platforms, part II

By Atlantic Council

We are moving from centralized, information technology-enabled mass production to decentralized, information technology-enabled mass personalization, and the national security implications are profound.

Defense Policy Digital Policy

In the News

May 29, 2020

Couch in RealClearDefense: The imperative of talent platforms, part I

By Atlantic Council

We must cultivate our current talent while ensuring investment in a comprehensive AI training package that ensures our future force is as agile, responsive, and as skilled as today.

Defense Policy Digital Policy

New Atlanticist

May 28, 2020

Coronavirus should spur DoD to build back resilience and agility

By John F. Wharton and Tate Nurkin

A layered and targeted response is required to meet the proximate challenges to the defense and dual-use supply chain, which is critical to national security. This crisis, as terrible as it is, may be the catalyst for taking steps today that are necessary to build the supply chain resilience and industry agility required to meet future national crises.

Coronavirus Defense Industry

UkraineAlert

May 20, 2020

Walking a tight rope, one year of Zelenskyy’s foreign policy

By Adair Appleton

One year ago, Zelenskyy promised to make Ukraine rich, slay corruption, and bring peace to eastern Ukraine. Skeptics will say that his moves amounted to nothing, but others are impressed that he’s putting in the work.

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

May 19, 2020

McInnis writes article on strategy and the arts in Foreign Policy

By Atlantic Council

In a testament to the art of war, Forward Defense Senior Fellow Kathleen McInnis argues that wicked problems in international security demand creative thinking.

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

May 12, 2020

Nurkin writes article on DoD innovation for Defense iQ

By Atlantic Council

Atlantic Council Senior Fellow Tate Nurkin discusses the strengths and weaknesses of recent innovation efforts by the US Department of Defense.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

In the News

May 7, 2020

Ullman in US Naval Institute: There is now only one path to 355 ships

By Harlan Ullman

Defense Policy Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Apr 26, 2020

Brzezinski and Skaluba cited in the Economist on COVID-19’s impact on defense spending

By Ian Brzezinski and Chris Skaluba

Ian Brzezinski and Chris Skaluba quoted on the likelihood that COVID-19 will drive down defense spending and the implications that has for reigniting the burden-sharing debate in NATO.

Coronavirus Defense Industry

In the News

Apr 22, 2020

Starling writes article on European military mobility in Defense One

By Atlantic Council

Deputy Director of Forward Defense Clementine Starling reviews the successes of and challenges to European military mobility in the wake of COVID-19, and advances four solutions.

Coronavirus Defense Policy

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy

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Issue briefs and reports

Fast Thinking

Dispatches

Inflection Points

UkraineAlert

MENASource

Econographics

Defense Policy

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

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

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

Content

Geometries of deterrence: Assessing defense arrangements in Europe’s northeast

Couch in RealClearDefense: The imperative of talent platforms, part II

Couch in RealClearDefense: The imperative of talent platforms, part I

Coronavirus should spur DoD to build back resilience and agility

Walking a tight rope, one year of Zelenskyy’s foreign policy

McInnis writes article on strategy and the arts in Foreign Policy

Nurkin writes article on DoD innovation for Defense iQ

Ullman in US Naval Institute: There is now only one path to 355 ships

Brzezinski and Skaluba cited in the Economist on COVID-19’s impact on defense spending

Starling writes article on European military mobility in Defense One

Experts

Elliot Ackerman

Bisher Al-Khasawneh

Alexander Alden

David Auerswald

Scott D. Berrier

Robert Bassett Cross MC

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