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.

Could Russia use fake separatists to destabilize Estonia and discredit NATO?

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
Could Russia use fake separatists to destabilize Estonia and discredit NATO?

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
Could Russia use fake separatists to destabilize Estonia and discredit NATO?

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

UkraineAlert

Mar 24, 2026

Could Russia use fake separatists to destabilize Estonia and discredit NATO?

By James Rice

In recent weeks, references to a pro-Russian separatist movement in neighboring Estonia have begun appearing with increasing frequency on social media. However, not everyone is convinced that the so-called "Narva People's Republic" is worthy of serious attention, writes James Rice.

Conflict Disinformation

Dispatches

Mar 23, 2026

What Romania’s role in the Iran war reveals about its diplomatic positioning

By Alex Șerban, Kirsten Fontenrose

Amid transatlantic differences over the Iran war, Romania’s ability to maintain a balance between Washington and its European partners is a valuable strategic contribution to NATO.

Central Europe Conflict

In the News

Mar 23, 2026

Daniels interviewed on Fox Report on AI tools in Iran

By Atlantic Council

On March 22, Forward Defense Nonresident Senior Fellow Owen Daniels was interviewed on Fox Report on the topic of the use of artificial intelligence in the Iran conflict.

Artificial Intelligence Defense Policy

In the News

Mar 20, 2026

Vershbow in RealClearDefense: Why we must not ignore Havana Syndrome

By Atlantic Council

Europe & Eurasia National Security

Trackers and Data Visualizations

Mar 20, 2026

Tracking US military assets in the Iran war

By Joe Costa, Theresa Luetkefend, and Moss Gillespie,

What is the US military committing to the war in Iran? How will that affect the US presence in other theaters around the world—including the Pacific, where the United States faces its most consequential challenge? We’re tracking the aircraft carriers, bombers, and missile defense systems deployed to Operation Epic Fury.

China Defense Industry
More resilient federal agencies require better systems, not simply individuals with a greater innate ability or learned skill set to overcome challenges.

Issue Brief

Mar 19, 2026

Federal agencies under pressure need smarter systems, not tougher people

By Caitlin Thompson

Resilience is an important trait for national security practitioners, but it is not a solution for problems with agency and department design. Better systems and strategies can ensure that individuals are fully prepared and ready to respond to crises, rather than consistently under strain.

National Security Resilience

In the News

Mar 18, 2026

Charai for The National Interest: Why Iran Was Always a Threat to the US

By Atlantic Council

Iran Maritime Security

In the News

Mar 16, 2026

Kroenig interviewed on CNN on US action in Iran

By Atlantic Council

On March 13, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on CNN on US action in Iran, arguing that President Trump is weakening the axis of aggressors and has clear strategic vision.

Iran Maritime Security

Dispatches

Mar 6, 2026

The US and China are in ‘gray zone’ competition. A counterinsurgency model can help explain what that means.

By Dan Minnocci

A model originally designed for counterinsurgency can offer insights into the nature of US-China strategic competition.

Defense Policy Indo-Pacific

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
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Experts

Fellow

Daniel P. Erikson

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Economy & Business International Organizations

Millennium fellow

Lauren Fenley

Project Engineer, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems

Millennium Leadership Program

Afghanistan Americas

Fellow

Nathan K. Finney

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Conflict Defense Policy

Staff

Denise Forsthuber

Deputy Director, Strategic Engagement and Operations

Europe Center Transform Europe Initiative

Central Europe Eastern Europe

Fellow

Nik Foster

Nonresident Fellow

Global China Hub

China Energy & Environment

Fellow

Nathan Freier

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Conflict Defense Policy
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