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.

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

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

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

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

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

UkraineAlert

Jul 2, 2026

The West can learn from Ukraine’s success against Russian propaganda

By Ryan Prior

While Ukraine often garners headlines for its drone warfare innovation, the country is also producing a playbook for countering Russian propaganda. This Ukrainian experience offers important lessons for the wider Western world, writes Ryan Prior.

Conflict Defense Policy

Dispatches

Jul 2, 2026

Europe should take the long bet on the US and the transatlantic security relationship

By Ian Brzezinski, Philippe Dickinson

In Ankara, European leaders must seize the opportunity to reinforce the long-term foundations of the Alliance.

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

Issue Brief

Jul 2, 2026

From burden sharing to strategic delivery: NATO and Turkey’s priorities ahead of the Ankara summit

By Pınar Dost

As allies gather in Ankara, Turkey's rising influence, US retrenchment, and uneven burden sharing will test whether NATO can convert pledges into action.

Defense Policy European Union

Report

Jul 1, 2026

Alliance evolving: The Ankara summit and NATO readiness

By Atlantic Council Turkey Program

As allies gather in Ankara for the 2026 NATO Summit, the seventh issue of the Defense Journal examines the issues at the forefront of the allied agenda.

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

Report

Jul 1, 2026

Fighting a land war in the digital age: How armies must reinvent themselves—or be destroyed by those that do

By Yavuz Türkgenci

Armies that fight the next war with last century's doctrine will lose it. AI targeting, drone swarms, and algorithmic command have already arrived on the battlefield.

Conflict Defense Industry

Report

Jul 1, 2026

Q&A with Senator Jeanne Shaheen

By Atlantic Council Turkey Program

Ranking Senator Shaheen on NATO's value, Turkey's role in the Alliance, and why political division is the greatest threat to Western security.

Conflict Defense Policy

Report

Jul 1, 2026

Q&A with Lieutenant General Max A. L. T. Nielsen, commandant of the NATO Defense College

By Atlantic Council Turkey Program

An interview covering resilience, deterrence, airpower, and preparation for an era of multi-domain competition.

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

Report

Jul 1, 2026

The Atlantic Alliance in the air

By Tod D. Wolters and Phillip Stewart

Though work remains to be done, NATO's air readiness is growing, backed by F-35s, integrated missile defense, joint pilot training, and space capabilities.

Artificial Intelligence Defense Policy

UkraineAlert

Jun 30, 2026

Banning Russian soldiers from the EU is a common sense security measure

By Elena Davlikanova, Tatiana Vorozhko

Supporters of the current proposal to ban Russian military personnel from the EU see it as a common sense security measure in response to the Kremlin's escalating hybrid war against Europe, write Elena Davlikanova and Tatiana Vorozhko.

Conflict Cybersecurity
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Experts

Fellow

Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Policy Indo-Pacific

Fellow

Michael Hogan

Senior US Navy Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Policy Intelligence

Fellow

LeAnne Noelani Howard

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Corey Jacobson

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Policy National Security

Fellow

Rose Keravuori

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Defense Policy

Fellow

Jongsun Kim

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy
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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