Nuclear Deterrence

The specter of Russian tactical nuclear de-escalation strikes, more sophisticated Chinese ballistic-missile submarines, and intercontinental North Korean capabilities all raise the stakes for nuclear deterrence. US policy makers must decide which nuclear posture will allow the United States to credibly deter nuclear war while assuring its allies and partners across the globe.

Content

In the News

Mar 19, 2021

Kroenig and Ashford debate how to handle Russia and discuss Biden’s interim strategic priorities

By Atlantic Council

On March 19, Foreign Policy published a biweekly column featuring Scowcroft Center deputy director Matthew Kroenig and New American Engagement Initiative senior fellow Emma Ashford discussing the latest news in international affairs. In this column, they discuss how the United States can deter Russian election meddling, the merits of the Biden administration’s interim strategic priorities, and the logic […]

China Elections

New Atlanticist

Mar 16, 2021

A mom’s guide to coercion and deterrence

By Emma Ashford, Erica Borghard

There’s a silver lining to parenting in a pandemic: It’s an education in the core concepts of international relations, as well as a useful reminder that we’re all operating in a condition of anarchy. Here's a mom’s primer on deterrence, coercion, credibility, and reassurance.

Conflict Crisis Management

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Mar 11, 2021

Garlauskas on Sejong Society’s webinar: Nuclear North Korea and the Biden presidency

On February 24, Markus Garlauskas made an appearance as a panelist at a webinar titled, “Nuclear North Korea and the Biden Presidency” held by the Sejong Society. In a wide ranging discussion with the Sejong Society’s President, Garlauskas addressed a variety of questions relevant to the Biden Administration’s policies on North Korea. He emphasized the […]

Intelligence Korea

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Mar 10, 2021

Garlauskas on Georgetown University’s webinar: US-China competition and the Korean Peninsula

On March 9, Markus Garlauskas made an appearance as a speaker at a webinar titled, “US-China Competition and the Korean Peninsula” held by the Center for Security Studies at Georgetown University where he is currently teaching a course on North Korea as an adjunct professor in the university’s Security Studies Program. His discussion with Bonnie […]

China Conflict

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Mar 9, 2021

Garlauskas on MIT’s Security Studies Program webinar on assessing North Korea

On February 24, Markus Garlauskas made an appearance as a guest speaker on a webinar, “Strategic Assessment of a Hard Target: North Korea,” held by the Security Studies Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Based on his two-decade experience as the US National Intelligence Officer for North Korea, Garlauskas discussed how to approach strategic […]

Intelligence Korea

In the News

Mar 4, 2021

Nasr in Foreign Affairs: Biden’s narrow window of opportunity on Iran

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Nuclear Deterrence

Report

Mar 1, 2021

Report release: The future of the US-ROK alliance

By Barry Pavel, Miyeon Oh, Robert Dohner, Alexander Vershbow, Markus Garlauskas, Todd Rosenblum

In a rapidly changing environment, the US and ROK must develop an integrated strategic vision for security in the Indo-Pacific, innovative approaches to denuclearization, and responses to a rising China.

Indo-Pacific Korea

In the News

Feb 19, 2021

Kroenig, Massa, Piliero in Defense News on nuclear modernization

By Atlantic Council

On February 19, Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Deputy Director Matthew Kroenig, Forward Defense Assistant Director Mark J. Massa, and Young Global Professional Raphael Piliero wrote an op-ed on nuclear modernization for Defense News.

Defense Industry Defense Technologies

In the News

Feb 17, 2021

Akhtar joins SIPRI to discuss Perceptions on nuclear challenges in South Asia’

By Atlantic Council

India Nuclear Deterrence

Issue Brief

Feb 16, 2021

Russia’s nuclear activity in 2019: Increasing strength and pressure

By Maxim Starchak

Russia's nuclear arsenal is a cornerstone of its political and military influence. 2019 stands out as a year with notable shifts in activity, with key indications that nuclear forces will remain a critical mechanism for Moscow to exert pressure.

Conflict Nuclear Deterrence

Experts