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.

Putin’s faltering Ukraine invasion exposes limits of Russian propaganda

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
Putin’s faltering Ukraine invasion exposes limits of Russian propaganda

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
Putin’s faltering Ukraine invasion exposes limits of Russian propaganda

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

UkraineAlert

Jan 10, 2023

Putin’s faltering Ukraine invasion exposes limits of Russian propaganda

By Victor Tregubov

Putin’s invasion of Ukraine was supposed to be a short and victorious war. Instead, it has transformed him into a pariah and shattered Russia’s reputation as a military superpower. How could he have got it so wrong?

Conflict Defense Policy

Issue Brief

Jan 6, 2023

How allied Sweden and Finland can secure Northern Europe 

By Anna Wieslander, Eric Adamson, Jesper Lehto

NATO is approaching its ninth round of enlargement. The accession of Sweden and Finland—two solid democracies and defenders of the international-rules based order—into the Alliance will strengthen the core of the transatlantic community.

Defense Policy NATO

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Dec 22, 2022

Turkey’s global military footprint in 2022

By Rich Outzen

A breakdown of Turkey's evolving global military posture and defense partnerships and their effect on US policy and interests.

Conflict Defense Policy

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Dec 22, 2022

Being a better ally at tough times requires a genuine and full solidarity with all allies

By Basat Öztürk

Turkey's contributions to the NATO Alliance, current and historic, warrant it solidarity and understanding from its partners.

Conflict Defense Policy

Defense Journal by Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Dec 22, 2022

Transforming from arms importer to trendsetter: Assessing the growth of Turkey’s defense industries

By Can Kasapoglu

An overview of the development of Turkey's defense industry and how it has affected Turkey's foreign and defense policies.

Conflict Defense Industry
U.S. Air Force photo by J.M. Eddins Jr.

Hybrid Conflict Project

Dec 22, 2022

Scoping the gray zone: Defining terms and policy priorities for engaging competitors below the threshold of conflict

By Atlantic Council's Gray Zone Task Force

This Strategic Insights Memo, produced by Forward Defense's Gray Zone Task Force, considers the scope of modern gray zone activity and the implications for US and allies strategy.

China Defense Policy

Fast Thinking

Dec 21, 2022

Zelenskyy gets a Washington embrace. Will he also get more weapons?

By Atlantic Council

Zelenskyy came armed with a thank you for the billions of dollars in aid and materiel the United States has sent, and a subtle request for more. Will he get the rest of his wish list?

Conflict Defense Policy

Issue Brief

Dec 20, 2022

Arms racing under nuclear tripolarity: Evidence for an action-reaction cycle?

By Matthew Kroenig

Matthew Kroenig argues that there has not been a nuclear arms race since the Cold War—but that China's nuclear buildup might start one.

Arms Control China

In the News

Dec 14, 2022

Agachi interviewed by Politico on the biggest unexpected threats to the United States

By Anca Agachi

Anca Agachi was interviewed by Politico on non-traditional security threats, serious national security hazards that aren’t nukes, tanks and bombs.

Conflict Crisis Management

Hybrid Conflict Project

Dec 13, 2022

The National Defense Strategy shows the Pentagon’s increased focus on the gray zone. Here’s what that means.

By Gray Zone Task Force experts

The DOD is officially recognizing that competitors’ coercive and malign activities in the gray zone present a challenge to US security. What does this mean for US strategy in the years ahead?

China 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 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