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In the News

May 27, 2025

Soofer’s report, “Strengthening Deterrence with SLCM-N,” quoted in Asia Times article

By Atlantic Council

On May 13, Forward Defense senior fellow Robert Soofer was quoted in an Asia Times article titled, “US Navy wants sea-launched nuke missiles to hold China at bay.” The article cites his Atlantic Council issue brief, co-authored with John Harvey, “Strengthening Deterrence with SLCM-N.” The article references their argument that SLCM-N capabilities address “a US […]

China Defense Policy

Report

May 12, 2025

A rising nuclear double-threat in East Asia: Insights from our Guardian Tiger I and II tabletop exercises

By Markus Garlauskas, Lauren D. Gilbert, Kyoko Imai

A decade from now, the United States will face even tougher challenges in the Indo-Pacific than it does today. With this in mind, the Atlantic Council's Guardian Tiger tabletop exercise series is preparing mid-level government and military leaders to address such threats.

Arms Control China

MENASource

May 6, 2025

Beyond the bomb: Ideology as the engine of Iran’s nuclear doctrine

By Marjan Keypour Greenblatt

The US cannot overlook that Iran’s nuclear program is not simply about deterrence—it is a tool for advancing a revolutionary ideology.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Apr 30, 2025

From Tripoli to Tehran: Lessons from Libya in US-Iran nuclear talks

By Yaseen Rashed

Twenty-one years later, the nuclear disarmament of Libya serves as a model for the United States in current nuclear negotiations with Iran.

Iran Libya

UkraineAlert

Apr 17, 2025

Putin is attempting to intimidate Merz with yet more Russian red lines

By Peter Dickinson

As Germany’s next chancellor Friedrich Merz prepares to boost support for Ukraine, the Kremlin is already seeking to deter him with intimidation tactics, writes Peter Dickinson. Merz's response will help define whether he is capable of leading Europe.

Conflict Defense Industry

New Atlanticist

Apr 17, 2025

Trump can’t afford to simply revive Obama’s Iran nuclear deal

By Jonathan Panikoff

Trump is right to try to seek a deal before okaying military action against Iran. But unlike in 2015, time is almost up.

Iran Nuclear Deterrence

In the News

Apr 17, 2025

Soofer quoted in Politico article entitled, “Trump May Be Triggering the Fastest Nuclear Weapons Race Since the Cold War”

By Atlantic Council

On April 11, Forward Defense senior fellow Robert Soofer was quoted in a Politico article entitled, “Trump May Be Triggering the Fastest Nuclear Weapons Race Since the Cold War.” In discussing US extended deterrence, Soofer is quoted saying, “What makes the South Koreans nervous is the fear that we wouldn’t risk San Francisco to save Seoul.”

Arms Control China

Report

Apr 11, 2025

The imperative of augmenting US theater nuclear forces

By Greg Weaver

The United States and its allies and partners face an impending change in the threats they face from nuclear-armed adversaries: a strategic environment marked by two nuclear peer major powers.

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Apr 2, 2025

Gen Kevin P. Chilton, USAF (ret.), featured on the Mitchell Institute’s Commander panel

By Atlantic Council

On March 31, Forward Defense distinguished fellow Kevin P. Chilton was featured on the Mitchell Institute’s panel, “Setting the Nuclear Deterrence Record Straight: Commanders’ Perspectives.” On the panel, he joined former US Strategic Command commanders Gen. Robert Kehler, USAF (Ret.), and Adm. Charles A. Richard, USN (Ret.), to discuss the realities of nuclear deterrence today. Additionally, […]

China Defense Industry

In the News

Mar 17, 2025

Kroenig quoted in the New York Times on Europe’s nuclear posture and US deterrence  

On March 15, Matthew Kroenig, vice president and senior director of the Scowcroft Center, was quoted in the New York Times on European leaders’ discussion of replacing US nuclear protection with European capabilities. He argues that Europe does not have sufficient resources to replace the nuclear umbrella provided by the United States.  

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Experts

Events