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.

Zeiten-when? Scholz needs to stop standing in the way of Germany’s foreign-policy turning point.

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
Zeiten-when? Scholz needs to stop standing in the way of Germany’s foreign-policy turning point.

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
Zeiten-when? Scholz needs to stop standing in the way of Germany’s foreign-policy turning point.

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

Feb 23, 2023

Zeiten-when? Scholz needs to stop standing in the way of Germany’s foreign-policy turning point.

By Noah DeMichele

The Zeitenwende is the chancellor’s brainchild, yet he has been its major roadblock. Scholz has habitually hesitated when faced with key decisions.

Conflict Defense Industry

In the News

Feb 22, 2023

Shahid in foreign policy and security conference

By Atlantic Council

Defense Policy International Organizations

New Atlanticist

Feb 22, 2023

Russia policy after the war: A new strategy of containment

By Alexander Vershbow

To prevent further damage to the rules-based international order, the United States and its allies will need a strategy of containment to deter Russia militarily and decouple Russia from the international community, until Moscow has earned the right to be considered a partner once more.

Arms Control Defense Policy

UkraineAlert

Feb 21, 2023

Putin could still win unless the West speeds up efforts to arm Ukraine

By Dennis Soltys

Ukraine's international partners are gradually providing the country with the weapons it needs to beat Russia, but excessive caution and continued delays could still allow Vladimir Putin to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Conflict Defense Policy

UkraineAlert

Feb 21, 2023

US foreign policy: China is important but the top priority is stopping Russia

By Richard D. Hooker, Jr.

Members of the US foreign policy establishment are wrong to prioritize a "China First" perspective at a time when Putin's Russia is waging a major war of aggression in Ukraine, writes Richard D. Hooker, Jr.

China Conflict

In the News

Feb 21, 2023

Polymeropoulos in PUCK on Hybrid Warfare and Russia

By Atlantic Council

On January 31, FD Nonresident Senior Fellow Marc Polymeropoulos was quoted in PUCK News on Russia’s long history of using hybrid warfare and their recent reluctance “to go all in” on it.

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Feb 21, 2023

Warrick on TRT World

By Atlantic Council

On February 4, FD Nonresident Senior Fellow Tom Warrick appeared on TRT World to discuss the aftermath of the United States’ downing of a Chinese Spy balloon.

China Defense Policy

In the News

Feb 21, 2023

Eftimiades on NDT News

By Atlantic Council

Tom Warrick discusses the history and effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security’s Fusion Centers

China Defense Policy

In the News

Feb 21, 2023

Eftimiades on France 24 News

By Atlantic Council

Nicholas Eftimiades was interviewed by France 24 News on the recent incursion by a Chinese spy balloon into the United States.

China Defense Policy

In the News

Feb 21, 2023

Kroenig in Sound ON Podcast, discusses Increasing Risks of China-US War

By Atlantic Council

On January 30, Dr. Matthew Kroenig joined Bloomberg Washington Correspondent Joe Mathieu to discuss General Mike Minihan’s internal memo that the United States and China risk going to war in 2025.

China Defense Policy
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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