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.

Wechsler quoted in The Wall Street Journal on why political gridlock could hamper efforts to respond to the attack on Israel

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
Wechsler quoted in The Wall Street Journal on why political gridlock could hamper efforts to respond to the attack on Israel

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
Wechsler quoted in The Wall Street Journal on why political gridlock could hamper efforts to respond to the attack on Israel

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

Oct 11, 2023

Wechsler quoted in The Wall Street Journal on why political gridlock could hamper efforts to respond to the attack on Israel

By Atlantic Council

Crisis Management Defense Policy

In the News

Oct 11, 2023

Wechsler joins Seznam Zprávy to discuss Israeli operations in Gaza

By Atlantic Council

Arms Control Conflict

UkraineAlert

Oct 10, 2023

Ukrainians fear becoming hostage to US political paralysis

By Peter Dickinson

The unprecedented removal of Kevin McCarthy as House speaker has thrust US politics into uncharted territory while also sparking alarm across the Atlantic as Ukrainians fear for the future of vital American military aid, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Defense Policy

MENASource

Oct 10, 2023

Hamas’s attack underscores the need for US and Israeli policy to change course

By Jason M. Brodsky

Both Israel and the United States should engage in deep introspection at the policy level over their failure to deter Hamas’s brutal attack. 

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Oct 10, 2023

Wechsler mentioned in Formiche on the Israel-Hamas war

By Atlantic Council

For the American think tanker, there are a number of questions — from the future of the Strip to new fronts, from regional integration to domestic politics — that Israel is asking itself in deciding the timing and methods of the counter-offensive against Hamas

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Oct 10, 2023

Wechsler quoted in NBC News on Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Biden’s diplomatic relationship

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Oct 9, 2023

Charai in The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: We are all Israelis

By Atlantic Council

The 1973 Yom Kippur War began as a surprise attack on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. On October 7, 2023, history has repeated itself.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Oct 3, 2023

Mass still matters: What the US military should learn from Ukraine 

By Andrew A. Michta

The overarching lesson from the unfolding war in Ukraine is simply the scale of what’s required to fight a modern state-on-state war.

Conflict Defense Industry

UkraineAlert

Sep 30, 2023

Can US Abrams tanks help Ukraine achieve a battlefield breakthrough?

By Olivia Yanchik

The first US M1 Abrams tanks arrived in Ukraine in late September, writes Olivia Yanchik. Will these American tanks help Ukraine to achieve a breakthrough against Vladimir Putin's deeply entrenched Russian invasion force?

Conflict Defense Industry

In the News

Sep 29, 2023

Garlauskas quoted in VOA and iNews

On September 27, Markus Garlauskas was quoted several times in a Voice of America article, “South Korea’s Dilemma: Is North Korea the Only Threat?” He emphasized that South Korea should increase its preparations to deal with threats beyond North Korea, particularly China. The article also referenced IPSI’s recent report on the risks of Chinese intervention […]

Arms Control China
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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

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