National Security

National Security

One of the primary functions of government is to ensure its citizens remain safe from external and internal threats. From conventional military strikes to terrorist attacks, governments must have the policies in place to protect their countries and ensure stability. These include robust intelligence gathering, deep relationships with international allies and partners, and strong defense and military institutions.

Experts react: How the world is responding to the US-Israeli war with Iran

New Atlanticist Nov 13, 2024

The threat from wildfires is growing. The US needs a unified response.

By Dan Hart

Congress should create a modern, centralized wildfire intelligence system that can serve firefighters nationwide.
National Security United States and Canada
Experts react: How the world is responding to the US-Israeli war with Iran

Future of DHS Sep 26, 2024

The Secret Service needs a budget increase—but so does the rest of the Department of Homeland Security

By Thomas S. Warrick

On Wednesday, Congress passed a bill to increase Secret Service funding in response to threats, after two assassination attempts against Donald Trump. The same logic should apply to the overall DHS budget.
Migration National Security
Experts react: How the world is responding to the US-Israeli war with Iran

New Atlanticist Sep 25, 2024

What the next administration should do to ensure US economic and national security

By Kimberly Donovan, Maia Nikoladze

The next administration must protect sensitive US technology, drive the energy transition, and safeguard the global financial system.
China Economy & Business

Content

Dispatches

Mar 3, 2026

Experts react: How the world is responding to the US-Israeli war with Iran

By Atlantic Council experts

We turned to our global network to explain how leaders in Europe, Asia, and Latin America are viewing the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran.

Argentina China

Dispatches

Mar 1, 2026

Experts react: How the US war with Iran is playing out around the Middle East

By Atlantic Council experts

What happens in Iran doesn’t stay in Iran. The consequences of the US-Israeli military campaign launched on Saturday will radiate across the region and the world.

Conflict Israel

In the News

Feb 28, 2026

Daniels featured on NewsNation panel on the Pentagon’s use of AI

By Atlantic Council

On February 28, Forward Defense Nonresident Senior Fellow Owen Daniels appeared on a NewsNation panel discussing the Pentagon’s feud with Anthropic. Daniels points out that Anthropic’s action could set a precedent for future AI companies behavior, and that the Pentagon was concerned by this possibility.  

Artificial Intelligence Defense Policy

Fast Thinking

Feb 28, 2026

What Trump’s ‘Epic Fury’ means for Iran and the Middle East 

By Atlantic Council

Operation Epic Fury has begun. On Feb. 28, US President Donald Trump announced a “massive and ongoing” attack on Iran.

National Security Security & Defense

In the News

Feb 27, 2026

Daniels quoted in CNN article on the Anthropic safety saga

By Atlantic Council

On February 26, Forward Defense Nonresident Senior Fellow Owen Daniels was quoted in a CNN article on the Pentagon’s security concerns over Anthropic. Daniels pointed out that a large, near-term consequence for Anthropic is the loss of client and potential customer value and trust in the company.  

Artificial Intelligence Defense Policy

In the News

Feb 25, 2026

Daniels in PBS News on Anthropic’s bargaining power with the Pentagon

By Atlantic Council

On February 24, Forward Defense Nonresident Senior Fellow Owen Daniels was quoted in a PBS News article on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s feud with AI company Anthropic. In the article, Daniels points out that Anthropic does not have much bargaining power in the Pentagon, as other peers have complied with department policy. 

Artificial Intelligence Defense Policy

Econographics

Feb 24, 2026

In Munich, a reminder that economic security is national security

By Kimberly Donovan, Lize de Kruijf

Policymakers at this year's MSC raised economic security as an issue that they cannot cordon off separately from traditional security issues.

Economy & Business European Union

UkraineAlert

Feb 19, 2026

Ukraine hopes escalating Russian losses will push Putin toward peace

By David Kirichenko

As the Russian invasion enters a fifth year, Ukraine is hoping escalating Russian losses can finally force Putin to seek a meaningful settlement, writes David Kirichenko.

Conflict Defense Policy

GeoTech Cues

Feb 18, 2026

To compete with China in space, the US must form more equitable commercial partnerships with African nations

By Maureen Farrell and Matt Petit

To counter China’s space diplomacy efforts, the United States must make creative investments across multiple sectors of African economies.

Africa National Security

Dispatches

Feb 5, 2026

How the Trump-Petro meeting could reshape Colombia’s electoral landscape

By Isabella Palacios

Petro’s turn toward engagement with Trump could have a significant impact on Colombia’s upcoming elections and the next president’s relations with Washington.

Colombia Latin America
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Experts

Fellow

Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Middle East National Security

Fellow

Elliot Ackerman

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Fellow

Anca Agachi

Nonresident Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Africa Conflict

Fellow

Alexander Alden

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Policy English

Fellow

Ahmed F. Alkhatib

Resident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Michael Allen

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Cybersecurity
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Events

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