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.

Cole publishes with the Peace Research Institute Oslo on AI and military operations

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
Cole publishes with the Peace Research Institute Oslo on AI and military operations

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
Cole publishes with the Peace Research Institute Oslo on AI and military operations

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 the News

Jan 23, 2024

Cole publishes with the Peace Research Institute Oslo on AI and military operations

By Atlantic Council

August Cole writes on the impact of artificial intelligence on military planning and operations.

Artificial Intelligence Defense Policy

UkraineAlert

Jan 22, 2024

Ukraine’s Black Sea success exposes folly of West’s “don’t escalate” mantra

By Peter Dickinson

Ukraine's remarkable success during 2023 in the Battle of the Black Sea can serve as a blueprint for victory over Putin's Russia, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Jan 22, 2024

Dean quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald on Australia’s Middle East policy

On January 20, IPSI nonresident senior fellow Peter Dean was quoted in a Sydney Morning Herald article discussing Australian security policy in the Middle East.  

Australia Defense Policy

Testimony

Jan 22, 2024

Gissou Nia testifies to House Committee on Homeland Security, and subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement & Intelligence

By Gissou Nia

Gissou Nia highlights the issue of addressing transnational repression threats to homeland security.

Defense Policy International Norms

UkraineAlert

Jan 18, 2024

Europe steps up support for Ukraine in fight against Putin’s Russia

By Diane Francis

There is now a growing realization across the continent that Putin is a European problem, and it is primarily up to Europe to stop him, writes Diane Francis.

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Jan 18, 2024

Grundman quoted in Law360 on the National Defense Industrial Strategy

Steve Grundman was quoted in Law360 on the National Defense Industrial Strategy, addressing its ambition and lack of specifics.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

In the News

Jan 17, 2024

Grundman on DefAero podcast discussing defense industry

Steve Grundman speaks on the Defense and Aerospace Report podcast about the National Defense Industrial Strategy and its implications.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

In the News

Jan 16, 2024

Stubbs in the Wall Street Journal

On January 8, Bruce Stubbs authored a letter to the editor in the Wall Street Journal in which he highlighted key recommendations from his recently published Atlantic Council report outlining ten challenges to implementing the US Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 plan. Bruce Stubbs Director, Navy Strategy Division (OPNAV N-50), Office of the Chief of […]

Defense Policy Security & Defense

Report

Jan 16, 2024

Atlantic Council Commission on Defense Innovation Adoption: Final report

By Whitney M. McNamara, Peter Modigliani, Matthew MacGregor, and Eric Lofgren*

The DoD must accelerate defense innovation adoption from the leading edge of the private sector. This report has ten recommendations to do so and features eight vignettes that explore how these actions may play out in practice.

Artificial Intelligence Defense Policy

MENASource

Jan 13, 2024

Iraq’s prime minister is sending mixed messages on whether US forces should withdraw or not

By Abbas Kadhim

It would not be an exaggeration to state that US-Iraqi relations are rapidly approaching the dynamics observed under the Trump administration in 2020.

Defense Policy Iraq
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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 Tue, April 28, 2026 • 10:15 am ET

Belgium’s defense minister on the future of transatlantic security relations
Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia NATO Politics & Diplomacy