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.

Preble quoted in Asia Times: US Republicans torn and frayed over Ukraine

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
Preble quoted in Asia Times: US Republicans torn and frayed over Ukraine

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
Preble quoted in Asia Times: US Republicans torn and frayed over Ukraine

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.

Learn more

Content

In the News

Jun 1, 2022

Preble quoted in Asia Times: US Republicans torn and frayed over Ukraine

By Atlantic Council

On June 1, Christopher Preble was quoted in an Asia Times article regarding the current divide among Republicans over NATO and US foreign policy more broadly. “It’s a sign of progress that 57 Republicans in the House and 11 in the Senate deemed $40 billion of aid worthy of scrutiny, but the fact that overwhelming […]

Americas Defense Policy

Event Recap

May 31, 2022

Secretary Christine Wormuth on how the US Army will support Biden’s forthcoming National Defense Strategy

By Juliette Renaut

Secretary Wormuth discusses the Army’s role in implementing the Biden administration's strategic priorities, particularly amid an intensifying war in Ukraine and a sustained China threat in the Indo-Pacific theater.

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

In the News

May 30, 2022

Ashford in Bloomberg: NATO should think twice before accepting Finland and Sweden

By Atlantic Council

On May 30, Emma Ashford published an article in Bloomberg calling attention to important considerations that should be taken into account with respect to Sweden and Finland’s potential accession to NATO. “There are only two clear-cut benefits to bringing in the two Nordic nations. The first is symbolic: providing a clear demonstration of European and […]

Defense Policy English

In the News

May 29, 2022

Stefanini quoted in Financial Times: Europeans wish they knew what was America’s end game plan in Ukraine

By Stefano Stefanini

Stefanini quoted in Financial Times about European confusion regarding America's end plan in Ukraine.

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

In the News

May 27, 2022

Kroenig in Foreign Policy on President Biden, Taiwan, and strategic ambiguity

By Atlantic Council

Matt Kroenig debates the merits of US strategic ambiguity towards Taiwan and President Biden's recent comments on the topic.

China Defense Policy

In the News

May 27, 2022

Preble on Net Assessment: Debating Sweden and Finland’s entry into NATO

By Atlantic Council

On May 27, Christopher Preble and co-hosts considered Finland and Sweden’s applications to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on the Net Assessment podcast. Is a larger NATO necessarily a more effective alliance? And what are the practical implications of defending these two countries from an apparently revanchist Russia? What does this mean for the […]

Americas Defense Policy

In the News

May 26, 2022

Sadat speaks at Humans to Mars on space diplomacy

By Atlantic Council

Mir Sadat discusses space diplomacy and security at the 2022 Humans to Mars Summit.

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

In the News

May 25, 2022

Konaev in the news on artificial intelligence and the Department of Defense.

By Atlantic Council

Margarita Konaev comments on the Department of Defense's implementation of artificial intelligence.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

In the News

May 25, 2022

Kroenig in the Chicago Tribune on the war in Ukraine

By Atlantic Council

Matt Kroenig discusses the various options to end the war in Ukraine.

Conflict Defense Policy

Report

May 25, 2022

Eye to eye in AI: Developing artificial intelligence for national security and defense

By Tate Nurkin, Margarita Konaev

As artificial intelligence transforms national security and defense, it is imperative for the Department of Defense, Congress, and the private sector to closely collaborate in order to advance major AI development priorities. However, key barriers remain. As China and Russia develop their own capabilities, the stakes of the military AI competition are high, and time is short.

Artificial Intelligence China
Load More

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
Load More

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