Security & Defense

Security & Defense

One of the most fundamental responsibilities of governments is to protect their citizens from all threats, internal or foreign. Policy makers must prepare for potential conventional warfare, terrorism and other asymmetrical attacks, and the repercussions of natural disasters and climate change to ensure the safety of their citizens. The motivation to protect against future threats must also be partnered with regular dialogue and partnership with allies and neighbors to prevent the triggering of violent conflict or destabilizing arms races.

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How to reset US-Gulf security partnerships

MENASource Aug 25, 2024

After a failed attack, Hezbollah’s propaganda seeks to prevent a wider war with Israel

By David Daoud

Committed as Hezbollah is to saving its Gaza-based allies, the group does not currently want a full war with Israel.
Conflict Israel
How to reset US-Gulf security partnerships

New Atlanticist Aug 21, 2024

How quickly can Taiwan integrate US weapon systems? Speed is essential to help deter China.

By Adam Kozloski

To better prepare Taiwan to defend itself, the United States needs more transparency into Taipei’s weapons integration challenges.
Conflict Defense Policy
How to reset US-Gulf security partnerships

UkraineAlert Aug 21, 2024

Invasion? What invasion? Putin is downplaying Ukraine’s Kursk offensive

By Peter Dickinson

Vladimir Putin’s efforts to downplay Ukraine’s invasion of Russia have severely dented his strongman image and make a mockery of the West’s escalation fears, writes Peter Dickinson.
Conflict Defense Policy

Programs

The Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security works to develop sustainable, nonpartisan strategies to address the most important security challenges facing the United States and the world.

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Content

Dispatches

Jul 28, 2026

How to reset US-Gulf security partnerships

By Allison Minor, Alina L. Romanowski

Washington can preserve its influence in the Middle East while rightsizing US military commitments in the region to better align with its strategic interests.

Defense Technologies Middle East

UkraineAlert

Jul 28, 2026

Wartime Ukraine’s people power protests are Putin’s worst nightmare

By Peter Dickinson

Ukrainians have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The protests are a reminder of the vibrant democratic culture that provoked Putin's invasion, writes Peter Dickinson.

Civil Society Conflict

Dispatches

Jul 27, 2026

How will Trump’s new science strategy change US research?

By Atlantic Council experts

The White House recently released two documents that could disrupt which scientists, research groups, and projects the US government funds.

Entrepreneurship Internet

TURKEYSource

Jul 27, 2026

From grain to drones, the Ukraine-Turkey free trade agreement marks a milestone in bilateral cooperation

By Yevgeniya Gaber

The ratification of the Ukraine-Turkey free trade agreement signals a deepening strategic partnership spanning trade, defense, reconstruction, and European integration.

Economy & Business Russia

In the News

Jul 27, 2026

Guenov quoted in The Washington Examiner on the costs of war

By Atlantic Council

On July 24, Scowcroft Center acting senior director and senior fellow Tressa Guenov was quoted in The Washington Examiner on the costs of war, arguing that that wars almost always cost more than expected, with expenses extending beyond immediate combat to include long-term impacts on readiness, force posture, and veterans' care.

Security & Defense United States

UkraineAlert

Jul 23, 2026

Ukraine leads European efforts to counter Russia’s growing ballistic missile threat

By Maksym Beznosiuk, William Dixon

As the Russian army struggles to advance in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin is increasingly relying on ballistic missiles to target the Ukrainian civilian population and maintain the momentum of his faltering invasion, write Maksym Beznosiuk and William Dixon.

Conflict Defense Technologies

UkraineAlert

Jul 23, 2026

Putin’s invasion comes home as Ukraine expands attacks inside Russia

By David Kirichenko

With Russia still showing no signs of ending its invasion, Ukraine is expanding a strategic bombing campaign that aims to undermine the logistics supporting the Kremlin war machine, writes David Kirichenko.

Conflict Drones

Dispatches

Jul 23, 2026

With a Saudi deal, the US begins ‘Plan C’ for nonproliferation in the Middle East

By William F. Wechsler

Washington is now attempting to achieve its nonproliferation objectives through deep political and commercial integration with partners’ nuclear programs.

Iran Nuclear Energy

TURKEYSource

Jul 23, 2026

A NATO ally holds the key to Europe’s drone wall, and it isn’t Washington

By Tolga Demiryol

Europe's drone wall aspirations are constrained by industrial capacity. Turkey may be the NATO ally that can close the gap.

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

Fast Thinking

Jul 22, 2026

What to know about the new US-Saudi nuclear deal

By Atlantic Council

The reported deal with Riyadh would send US nuclear technology, material, and equipment to the kingdom—raising the issue of nonproliferation.

Iran Nuclear Energy
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Experts

Fellow

Nasredeen Abdulbari

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Project for Middle East Integration

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Africa Arabic

Fellow

Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Middle East National Security

Fellow

Ahmed Aboudouh

Former Nonresident Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic China

Fellow

Elliot Ackerman

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Fellow

Nic Adams

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Energy & Environment Middle East

Fellow

Paul Adamson

Senior Advisor

Europe Center

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia
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