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.

A pivotal contest for strategic islands in the Pacific is upon us—and it’s not about Taiwan or the South China Sea

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
A pivotal contest for strategic islands in the Pacific is upon us—and it’s not about Taiwan or the South China Sea

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
A pivotal contest for strategic islands in the Pacific is upon us—and it’s not about Taiwan or the South China Sea

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

Dec 8, 2023

A pivotal contest for strategic islands in the Pacific is upon us—and it’s not about Taiwan or the South China Sea

By Markus Garlauskas, Parker Novak

Time is running out for Congress to take concerted bipartisan action on agreements with Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands.

China Defense Policy

UkraineAlert

Dec 7, 2023

While the West dithers, the future of the world is being decided in Ukraine

By Peter Dickinson

If Western leaders choose to stop arming Ukraine against Russia's invasion, future generations will view their decision as one of the great geopolitical turning points of the twenty-first century, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Dec 7, 2023

Connable in Lawfare: Give NATO’s Eastern Flank Countries and Ukraine All the M1 Tanks

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Defense Industry

In the News

Dec 7, 2023

Panikoff quoted in WBUR On-Point on escalation risks of Israel-Hamas war

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Dec 7, 2023

Warrick quoted in Ukraine Alert on the expiration of the Lend-Lease Act

By Atlantic Council

Defense Policy Middle East

In the News

Dec 7, 2023

Arbit quoted in The Straight Times on $100 billion for Ukraine and Israel

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Defense Industry

In the News

Dec 7, 2023

Panikoff in The Liberal Patriot: The Fragility of Israeli Deterrence

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Dec 7, 2023

Panikoff quoted in Morning Star on U.S. aid to Israel

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Dec 7, 2023

Panikoff republished in RealClear Policy: The Fragility of Israeli Deterrence

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Dec 7, 2023

Kramer quoted in Financial Times discussing the private sector in modern conflict

By Atlantic Council

Franklin Kramer speaks about the importance of deepening collaboration between the private sector and the national security enterprise.

Defense Industry Defense Policy
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Experts

Fellow

Adam Hammer

Nonresident Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Fellow

Thomas X. Hammes

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Conflict Defense Industry

Fellow

Volodymyr Havrylov

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Defense Policy English

Fellow

Elmar Hellendoorn

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Defense Policy Dutch

Fellow

Brian Higgins

2023-24 Senior US Air Force Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Cybersecurity Defense Policy

Fellow

Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Policy Indo-Pacific
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Events

Online Event Tue, April 7, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

US-Turkish defense relations and the upcoming NATO Summit
Defense Industry Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia Geopolitics & Energy Security
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