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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Without allies and partners, the US risks being alienated from the global intelligence networks it built

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
Without allies and partners, the US risks being alienated from the global intelligence networks it built

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
Without allies and partners, the US risks being alienated from the global intelligence networks it built

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

Sep 4, 2026

Without allies and partners, the US risks being alienated from the global intelligence networks it built

By Tressa Guenov and Charlotte Bertrand

US allies and partners are reassessing their intelligence needs and vulnerabilities—and the trend is toward greater autonomy.

Intelligence North America

UkraineAlert

Sep 3, 2026

Putin cannot defeat NATO but he could divide and discredit the alliance

By Peter Dickinson

If Russian President Vladimir Putin decides to attack NATO, his goal will be to divide and discredit the alliance rather than actually defeating it, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Defense Policy

UkraineAlert

Sep 3, 2026

Russia is trying to bully Europe into abandoning Ukraine

By Maksym Beznosiuk, Will Dixon

Russia is escalating its campaign of so-called “grey zone” aggression against Europe as Putin attempts to intimidate EU leaders and deter further support for Ukraine, write Maksym Beznosiuk and Will Dixon.

Conflict Drones

In the News

Sep 3, 2026

In The New Arab, Yevgeniya Gaber discusses how a new Black Sea grain crisis would affect the Middle East
Maritime Security Middle East

Dispatches

Sep 2, 2026

How the White House can get ahead of the next biological threat

By Asha M. George

Trump can strengthen US biodefense by restoring White House capacity and updating national strategies before the next biological crisis.

Non-Traditional Threats Resilience & Society

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Sep 2, 2026

Braw in ZDFheute on the drone incident in Leipzig

By Elisabeth Braw

On September 2, Elisabeth Braw was quoted in ZDFheute discussing the recent drone attack on Leipzig airport.

Europe Security & Defense

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Sep 2, 2026

Braw in DW News on European responses to Russian hybrid attacks

By Elisabeth Braw

On September 2, Elisabeth Braw was interviewed by DW News to discuss possible European responses to Russia’s recent hybrid attacks against Europe.

Europe Security & Defense

Issue Brief

Sep 2, 2026

Strengthening state presence in Colombia’s conflict-affected territories

By the US–Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition

Colombia's new president has made restoring state authority in the country's conflict-affected territories a central priority as armed groups compete to control communities and economies. In the wake of the August 10 earthquake, the US-Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition outlines how Colombia, with US support, can build lasting state presence.

Americas Colombia

UkraineAlert

Sep 1, 2026

For Putin, the ‘root cause’ of the war is the existence of independent Ukraine

By Kateryna Odarchenko

Moscow claims to be ready for peace once the "root causes" of the Russia-Ukraine War are addressed, but Putin's demands confirm that he believes the "root cause" of the war is the existence of an independent Ukraine, writes Kateryna Odarchenko.

Conflict Disinformation

Podcast

Sep 1, 2026

So what’s the strategy for US Nuclear Posture ?

By the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

In the season finale of So What’s the Strategy, host Matthew Kroenig is joined by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, to discuss what the US strategy should be for ensuring nuclear preeminence.

Security & Defense
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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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Events

Public Event Thu, September 10, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

US engagement with Iraq and the region after Operation Inherent Resolve 
Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense
Public Event Tue, September 15, 2026 • 9:30 am ET

Pathways to partnership, prosperity, and security in the Sahel
Africa Democratic Transitions Politics & Diplomacy Resilience & Society
Public Event Wed, September 16, 2026 • 12:15 pm ET

Looking north: Arctic security strategy for a new era
Security & Defense
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