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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Iraq’s new prime minister must sell Iraq to a skeptical Washington

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
Iraq’s new prime minister must sell Iraq to a skeptical Washington

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
Iraq’s new prime minister must sell Iraq to a skeptical Washington

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 11, 2026

Iraq’s new prime minister must sell Iraq to a skeptical Washington

By Victoria J. Taylor 

Ali al-Zaidi faces an administration that is prepared to walk away from the relationship if it is not satisfied that it delivers for the US.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Dispatches

Jul 11, 2026

Venezuela’s earthquakes have deepened this century’s biggest economic crisis

By Henry Shuldiner, Ignacio Albe

Given the historic deterioration of Venezuela's economy, post-earthquake recovery will be especially costly, complex, and urgent.

Crisis Management Oil and Gas

Dispatches

Jul 10, 2026

The Ankara summit previewed the Gulf’s new security equation

By Joze Pelayo

The war with Iran and the continued stalemate in the Strait of Hormuz have accelerated a trend that was already underway.

Conflict Defense Industry

Dispatches

Jul 10, 2026

Israel and the new reality of buffer zones

By Miroslav M. Zafirov

If left unchecked, the buffer-zone approach might become less a temporary security measure and more the operating logic of a new regional order.

Conflict Iran

Inflection Points

Jul 10, 2026

Trump should seize upon his NATO-Ukraine moment

By Frederick Kempe

Europe and Ukraine represent the US president’s greatest remaining chance at a foreign-policy legacy.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

UkraineAlert

Jul 9, 2026

NATO summit dashes Putin’s hopes of outlasting the West in Ukraine

By Peter Dickinson

This week's NATO summit in Ankara focused on demonstrating a united front in support of Ukraine. This was a major blow for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, who still hopes Western disunity can hand Russia victory in Ukraine, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Defense Policy

Dispatches

Jul 9, 2026

Eleven takeaways from the NATO Summit in Ankara 

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts break down the most important developments coming out of the Ankara summit.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

In the News

Jul 9, 2026

Wieslander in Swedish media during Ankara Summit

Anna Wieslander, Director for Northern Europe, featured extensively in Swedish television and radio during the NATO Summit in Ankara on July 7 and July 8. Ahead of the Summit, Wieslander spoke to TV4 Nyhetsmorgon, where she emphasized the great importance of the meeting, marked by a “high level of nervousness due to the tense situation […]

Northern Europe Security & Defense

Fast Thinking

Jul 8, 2026

Was the NATO Summit a success?

By Atlantic Council

Atlantic Council experts break down an eventful two days in Ankara.

NATO Security & Defense

In the News

Jul 8, 2026

Kroenig interviewed in NPR on the Ankara Summit

By Atlantic Council

On July 7, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on NPR about the importance of the Ankara Summit amidst heightened transatlantic tensions.

Europe & Eurasia NATO
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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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