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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Why Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey just signed a defense pact

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
Why Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey just signed a defense pact

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
Why Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey just signed a defense pact

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

Aug 7, 2026

Why Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey just signed a defense pact

By Atlantic Council experts

Each country pledged to defend the others, but each country also has its own motivations for joining the pact.

Conflict Iran

Fast Thinking

Aug 7, 2026

The Senate just agreed to hand Trump a tariff weapon against Russia. Will he use it?

By Atlantic Council

Our experts break down what exactly the Russia sanctions bill would accomplish and its prospects of becoming law.

Conflict Russia

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Aug 7, 2026

Braw in New York Times on disrupting Russian sea routes to Crimea

By Elisabeth Braw

On July 15, Elisabeth Braw was quoted in a New York Times article on the small Russian vessels bringing supplies to Crimea and their likely contents.

Europe & Eurasia Russia

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Aug 7, 2026

Braw in Politico on Kyiv’s drone triumphs

By Elisabeth Braw

On July 25, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Elisabeth Braw published an article in Politico about the importance of rightsizing the role of drones in a nation’s defense capabilities.

Europe & Eurasia Russia

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Aug 6, 2026

Braw in TRT World Now on Iran, Oman agreement on Strait of Hormuz

By Elisabeth Braw

On August 6, Elisabeth Braw was interviewed by TRT World Now to discuss the reported agreement of a shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman, and the implications for negotiations with the US.

Iran Middle East

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Aug 6, 2026

Braw in DW News on the Iran-Oman deal for the Strait of Hormuz

By Elisabeth Braw

On August 6, Elisabeth Braw was interviewed by DW News to discuss the potential Iran-Oman deal for how ships enter the Strait of Hormuz and implications of the agreement for ongoing US-Iran negotiations.

Iran Middle East

UkraineAlert

Aug 6, 2026

Ukraine cannot defeat Putin’s ballistic blitz by defensive measures alone

By Mykola Bielieskov

Putin is ramping up Russian ballistic missile production and clearly intends to bomb Ukraine into submission. If he is not stopped, the Ukrainian civilian population will pay a terrible price and Kyiv may be pushed toward capitulation, writes Mykola Bielieskov.

Defense Technologies European Union

UkraineAlert

Aug 6, 2026

We should not fear a post-Putin Russia

By Brian Mefford

Some believe a post-Putin Russia could become even more aggressive toward the West. However, past experience and current practicalities suggest that the next Russian ruler may be forced to seek a less hostile path, writes Brian Mefford.

Conflict European Union

Dispatches

Aug 6, 2026

The US Navy’s decision to reclassify 19 Virginia-class submarines is a breakthrough. Here’s why.

By Joshua VerGow and Abigail Rudolph

The redesignation reveals that the US Navy increasingly views distributed, survivable strike capability as a central mission for its undersea fleet.

Defense Technologies Maritime Security

Insights & Impact

Aug 5, 2026

Havrylov in Ukrinform: For the first time in Ukraine’s history, we are launching the licensed production of a defense system on Ukrainian soil

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Defense Industry
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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, August 27, 2026 • 3:45 pm ET

AI and autonomy on the modern battlefield
Artificial Intelligence Defense Industry Defense Policy Defense Technologies