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.

Content

Report

Mar 1, 2021

Countering cyber proliferation: Zeroing in on Access-as-a-Service

By Winnona DeSombre, James Shires, JD Work, Robert Morgus, Patrick Howell O’Neill, Luca Allodi, and Trey Herr

The proliferation of offensive cyber capabilities (OCC) presents an expanding set of risks to states and challenges commitments to protect openness, security, and stability in cyberspace. Access as a Service firms offer various forms of “access” to target data or systems, and through these business practices are creating and selling OCC at an alarming rate. It is imperative that governments reevaluate their approach to countering the proliferation of OCC.

Arms Control Cybersecurity

In the News

Feb 26, 2021

Ashford in Inkstick: It’s time to leave Afghanistan

By Atlantic Council

On February 26, Emma Ashford published an opinion piece on the future of U.S. presence in Afghanistan in Inkstick. “It’s not often that President Donald Trump made life better for his successor. But Afghanistan may be the rare exception. After a twenty-year war, the Trump administration’s deal with the Taliban offers the opportunity for removal […]

Afghanistan National Security

In the News

Feb 25, 2021

Hasik quoted in the Mandarin on Australian government

By Atlantic Council

On February 18, FD NRSF James Hasik was quoted in a piece titled “Opinion: The triumph of the lobbies – Australia’s revolving door and democracy.” Hasik commented on the push by some Democratic leaders in the US Congress to limit connections between the defense industry and government, claiming it would stifle innovation in the Pentagon and lend itself to “miscommunication” between defence contractors and the government. “And whatever these two legislators’ indignation about occasional abuses, building barriers between suppliers and customers is frankly no way to do business”.

Australia Defense Policy

NATO 20/2020

Feb 24, 2021

Reimagine the Washington Treaty: NATO 20/2020 podcast

By Damon Wilson and Will O'Brien

Reexamining NATO’s founding charter can be an exercise in creating an Alliance fit for a new geopolitical era.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Feb 22, 2021

LTG Hooper participates in Harvard Kennedy School event

By Atlantic Council

On February 22, FD NRSF LTG Charles Hooper was featured on a panel at a Harvard Kennedy School event titled “Diversity in the Services.” His remarks will focus on his path in the military and how the armed services can improve diversity and combat racism.

Defense Policy Extremism

Seizing the advantage

Feb 19, 2021

How the next National Defense Strategy can get serious about emerging technologies

By Justin Sherman, Evanna Hu

US adversaries including China, Iran, and Russia are investing in additional technological capabilities to counterbalance the United States’ advantages in great-power competition—specifically its dominance in kinetic operations and weapons. The next NDS must differentiate among different technologies to create more nuanced strategies.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

In the News

Feb 19, 2021

Warrick quoted in Lawfare on Iranian information operations

By Atlantic Council

On February 19, FD NRSF Thomas Warrick was quoted in a piece titled “How to Understand Iranian Information Operations.” In this piece, Warrick claims that Iran is using disinformation tactics as a retaliation tactic, asserting national power without direct escalation.

Defense Policy Disinformation

In the News

Feb 18, 2021

Kroenig speaks at Baylor University on great-power competition

By Atlantic Council

On February 18, SCSS Deputy Director Matthew Kroenig was featured in a discussion with the Alexander Hamilton Society at Baylor University on “The return of great power rivalry: Sino-American relations.”

China Defense Policy

Event Recap

Feb 16, 2021

Keeping pace with the competition: How the Pentagon can incentivize innovation at the speed of relevance

By Julia Siegel

Anduril CEO Brian Schimpf, Maxar CEO Dan Jablonsky, Atlantic Council Nonresident Senior Fellow Dr. Melissa Flagg, and NDIA Chairman MajGen Arnold Punaro joined Forward Defense for a Captains of Industry discussion on how the Department of Defense can adapt acquisition practices to improve its access to the US innovation base.

China Defense Industry

In the News

Feb 12, 2021

Nurkin discusses wargaming on Janes World of Intelligence podcast

By Atlantic Council

On February 12, Forward Defense Nonresident Senior Fellow Tate Nurkin appeared on the Janes World of Intelligence podcast to discuss wargames: how to run them, the requirements for them, and how they benefit us. Nurkin argued that wargames have been frequently misunderstood, yet offer a chance to craft sounder policies for handling foreign policy crises.

Defense Policy Education

Experts