Intelligence

National security and defense often require the collection of a vast amount of data and knowledge that can be used by policy makers to make political and military decisions to defend the national interest. Whether through open source or covert means, the acquisition of intelligence is a vital tool for effective national defense.

Content

Dispatches

Mar 6, 2026

How would a Kurdish offensive change the war in Iran?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts explain the goals of the various Kurdish groups the United States is reportedly backing for an attack against Iran and how their involvement could impact the wider war.

Conflict Defense Policy

MENASource

Feb 3, 2026

Why the Muslim Brotherhood is staying calm amid crackdowns in Jordan

By Aaron Magid

Despite widespread popularity, the Islamist faction did not organize large-scale protests, lowered its media profile, and avoided attacks.

Extremism Intelligence

In the News

Oct 10, 2025

Yevgeniya Gaber joins Defense News to discuss Ukraine’s defense cooperation and knowledge transfer to European countries in developing counter-UAV capabilities

Conflict Defense Industry

In the News

Aug 7, 2025

Ackerman publishes article, “How Being an Intelligence Officer Made Me a Better Writer” on The Free Press

By Atlantic Council

On August 4, Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Elliot Ackerman published an article entitled, "How Being an Intelligence Officer Made Me a Better Writer," with The Free Press.

Intelligence National Security

Issue Brief

Aug 6, 2025

How the US and Colombia can tackle crime, migration, and fallout from Venezuela’s crisis

By Lucie Kneip, Geoff Ramsey

Despite differences in priorities and political approaches, opportunities exist for the US and Colombia to coordinate policy that promotes stability in Venezuela and the broader region.

Colombia Corruption

New Atlanticist

Jun 14, 2025

By fusing intelligence and special operations, Israel’s strikes on Iran are a lesson in strategic surprise

By Doug Livermore

Operation Rising Lion offers critical lessons for Western military planners facing similar challenges against peer competitors.

Intelligence Iran

In the News

May 27, 2025

Eftimiades interviewed by NTD on Chinese espionage

By Atlantic Council

On May 20, Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Nicholas Eftimiades was interviewed by NTS News, in a segment entitled, “Former Intelligence Officer: China Leverages Entire Society for Intel.” With Tiffany Meier, Eftimiades discusses the Chinese Communist Party’s espionage strategy, pulling insights from his book, Chinese Intelligence Operations and Tactics.

China Defense Policy

In the News

May 20, 2025

Cole speaks about the role of fiction and narrative in current affairs on the Marine Corps Association Scuttlebutt podcast

On May 15, Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow August Cole was a featured guest on the Marine Corps Association podcast Scuttlebutt. In this episode, titled “Useful Fiction With August Cole From Modern Day Marine,” Cole discusses how asymmetric forces like fiction and narrative have an outsized impact on today’s battlefield.

Defense Policy Intelligence

In the News

Apr 30, 2025

Lichfield quoted by Bloomberg on US intelligence sharing with Ukraine

Read the full article here

Economy & Business Intelligence

In the News

Mar 31, 2025

Ullman in the Hill urging vigilance in national security communication 

On March 31, 2025, Atlantic Council Senior Advisor Harlan Ullman published an op-ed in the Hill on the potential implications of national security officials using Signal for official communication and planning. He argues that US allies will take the recent Signal breach “very, very seriously,” which could disrupt intelligence sharing.   

Intelligence National Security

Experts