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.

In Munich, a reminder that economic security is national security

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
In Munich, a reminder that economic security is national security

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
In Munich, a reminder that economic security is national security

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

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

UkraineAlert

Feb 1, 2026

Ukraine is leading a military revolution but needs more Western support

By Marc De Vore

The military revolution Ukraine is leading has already succeeded in democratizing the production of long-range strike systems. With more support from Kyiv’s partners, this revolution offers a viable pathway to Russia’s battlefield defeat and can set the stage for an acceptable peace, writes Dr Marc De Vore.

Conflict Defense Industry

In the News

Jan 30, 2026

Amato in RealClearDefense on the 2025 National Security Strategy

By Atlantic Council

On January 29, Forward Defense Nonresident Senior Fellow Paul Amato published an article in RealClearDefense on the Trump administration’s ambiguity on nuclear deterrence in the Korean peninsula. In the article, Amato argues that silence on the regime ending policy risks emboldening North Korea and unsettling South Korea and Japan.

Japan Korea

Scorecard

Jan 29, 2026

Scowcroft Strategy Scorecard: Grading Trump’s second National Defense Strategy

By Atlantic Council

Last week the Trump Administration released its new National Defense Strategy, which defines the threats facing the United States and how it plans to counter them. Our experts break down the strategy to see if it makes the mark.

National Security Politics & Diplomacy

UkraineAlert

Jan 29, 2026

Ukraine’s defense tech sector can play a key role in economic security

By Eric K. Hontz

Ukraine’s defense tech and dual-use sector is a rare wartime success story, with over six hundred innovative and combat‑tested firms becoming increasingly attractive to international investors, writes Eric K. Hontz.

Conflict Defense Industry

MENASource

Jan 28, 2026

Trump’s National Security Strategy doesn’t downgrade the Middle East, it redefines it

By Kristian Alexander

Trump's strategy is a sophisticated refinement of “America First.” For the Gulf, the implications are significant, but manageable.

Middle East National Security

MENASource

Jan 22, 2026

Wang Yi’s MENA tour was long on messaging, short on outcomes

By Jonathan Fulton

Wang worked to position China as a defender of free trade and a reliable partner for the Middle East region.

China Geopolitics & Energy Security
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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

Online Event Thu, March 26, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

Still watching: How Venezuela deploys surveillance to maintain political control
Democratic Transitions Intelligence Latin America National Security
Public Event Fri, March 27, 2026 • 12:00 pm ET

How Ukraine’s drones and Russia’s reconnaissance fit into the Iran war
Conflict Defense Industry Defense Policy Defense Technologies
Public Event Fri, April 10, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

Game changers: Cures for 21st century biological threats
National Security Technology & Innovation United States and Canada
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