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.

The Women, Peace, and Security agenda made important strides at NATO’s Washington summit

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
The Women, Peace, and Security agenda made important strides at NATO’s Washington summit

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
The Women, Peace, and Security agenda made important strides at NATO’s Washington summit

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

New Atlanticist

Jul 24, 2024

The Women, Peace, and Security agenda made important strides at NATO’s Washington summit

By Sarah Dawn Petrin

The Washington summit saw important women, peace, and security commitments, but NATO can do more to support female soldiers and civilians.

Defense Policy Human Rights

In the News

Jul 23, 2024

Özkizilcik in Syria Direct: How the US is losing Syria’s tribes to Iran

By Atlantic Council

Defense Policy Iran

In the News

Jul 19, 2024

Cho quoted in the Diplomat on geopolitical tensions in East Asia

On July 18, IPSI nonresident senior fellow Sungmin Cho was quoted in the Diplomat regarding heightened geopolitical tensions in East Asia and the implications for South Korea. He emphasized the increased risk of unconventional action by an emboldened Kim Jong Un, such as terrorist attacks on South Korean infrastructure and civilians. 

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Jul 16, 2024

Rudder quoted in Digitimes Asia on Taiwan’s military modernization and drone warfare

On July 15, IPSI nonresident senior fellow Steven R. Rudder was quoted in Digitimes Asia discussing Taiwan’s military modernization and emphasizing the need for adaptable procurement strategies and doctrinal development in drone warfare.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

UkraineAlert

Jul 16, 2024

Russia’s retreat from Crimea makes a mockery of the West’s escalation fears

By Peter Dickinson

The Russian Navy's quiet retreat from Crimea highlights the emptiness of Putin's red lines and the self-defeating folly of Western escalation management, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Jul 16, 2024

Kerg referenced in Australian Independent Media Network regarding US-China conflict

On June 15, IPSI nonresident fellow Brian Kerg’s New Atlanticist piece, “There will be no ‘short, sharp’ war. A fight between the US and China would likely go on for years,” was referenced by the Australian Independent Media Network regarding the likelihood of a prolonged conflict with China over Taiwan.

Australia China
Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS)

Issue Brief

Jul 15, 2024

Modernizing space-based nuclear command, control, and communications

By Peter L. Hays and Sarah Mineiro

While nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) is in the midst of a modernization overhaul, the space-based elements of NC3 face unique geopolitical, technical, and bureaucratic challenges. This paper focuses on space-based missions and elements of the existing NC3 system, analyzing how ongoing modernization programs are addressing these challenges as well as offering recommendations.

China Defense Policy

In the News

Jul 12, 2024

Hinata-Yamaguchi quoted in Channel News Asia on NATO’s Indo-Pacific partnerships

On July 11, IPSI nonresident senior fellow Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi was referenced in Channel News Asia discussing NATO’s interest in expanding its partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Jul 11, 2024

Hinata-Yamaguchi quoted in VOA on US air power in the Pacific

On July 10, IPSI nonresident senior fellow Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi was quoted in VOA regarding the US plan to boost its Pacific air power to counterbalance China, highlighting that the upgrades will enhance the US-Japan alliance’s readiness against regional threats.

Defense Policy Indo-Pacific

In the News

Jul 11, 2024

Indo-Pacific production diplomacy event and report quoted by Aviation Week and Janes

On July 1, IPSI’s recent public event and issue brief on production diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific were quoted in an Aviation Week article. On July 10, this work was also featured in a Janes report focusing on defense industrial resilience through production diplomacy.

Australia Defense Industry
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Experts

Fellow

Elliot Ackerman

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Fellow

Bisher Al-Khasawneh

Distinguished Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic Defense Policy

Fellow

Alexander Alden

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Policy English

Fellow

David Auerswald

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Scott D. Berrier

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Fellow

Robert Bassett Cross MC

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy
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Events

Public Event Thu, March 5, 2026 • 9:30 am ET

Navigating a new era in Syria: Strategic opportunities for the US and Turkey
Conflict Defense Policy Iraq Middle East