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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Dispatch from Kyiv: Russia is more vulnerable than it might seem

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
Dispatch from Kyiv: Russia is more vulnerable than it might seem

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
Dispatch from Kyiv: Russia is more vulnerable than it might seem

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

Jun 3, 2026

Dispatch from Kyiv: Russia is more vulnerable than it might seem

By John E. Herbst, Shelby Magid

A recent trip to Ukraine reveals a country growing in strength and confidence, while Russia is increasingly on the back foot.

Conflict Drones

UkraineAlert

Jun 2, 2026

As Russia’s Ukraine invasion unravels, Putin escalates attacks on civilians

By Peter Dickinson

Russia launched a major bombardment of Ukrainian cities on June 2 as Vladimir Putin continues to escalate attacks on Ukraine's civilian population amid growing signs that his invasion is unraveling, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Defense Technologies

UkraineAlert

Jun 2, 2026

Ukraine is now Europe’s shield but still needs more help to stop Russia

By Olena Tregub

Europeans increasingly recognize Ukraine as the continent's shield against Russian aggression, but this must not fuel complacency over the country's ability to bear the current burden indefinitely, writes Olena Tregub.

Conflict Defense Policy

Dispatches

Jun 2, 2026

How will the Iran war change the US role in the world?

By Matthew Kroenig, Markus Garlauskas, and Beth Sanner

Atlantic Council experts weigh in on whether the United States should “pivot” its attention away from the Middle East and toward the Indo-Pacific.

China Indo-Pacific

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Jun 1, 2026

Braw in Foreign Policy on the advantage of Rule of law in European business

By Elisabeth Braw

On June 1, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Elisabeth Braw published an article in POLITICO on how European companies benefit from the continent’s rule of law in an age of geopolitical risk.

Europe & Eurasia Security & Defense

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Jun 1, 2026

Braw in Foreign Policy on GPS jamming

By Elisabeth Braw

On June 1, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Elisabeth Braw published an article in Foreign Policy on the persistent problem of GPS jamming, and the impact on safe air and sea travel.

Europe & Eurasia Security & Defense

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Jun 1, 2026

Braw in The Spectator on whether a stray drone constitutes an attack

By Elisabeth Braw

On June 1, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Elisabeth Braw published an article in The Spectator on whether a stray drone constitutes an attack – using the recent drone strike in Galati, Romania as an example.

Europe & Eurasia Security & Defense

Issue Brief

Jun 1, 2026

US-Caribbean maritime cooperation: Why stronger ports, supply chains, and security matter now

By Maite Latorre Yerou, Patricia R. Francis

The Caribbean is not a peripheral region but a core component of the United States' economic and security environment. Its ports support US trade, its routes shape regional stability, and its infrastructure is now central to geopolitical competition.

Caribbean Economy & Business

In the News

May 30, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: What Do the Gulf States Really Want?

By Atlantic Council

Geopolitics & Energy Security Middle East

Issue Brief

May 29, 2026

Can the EU’s mutual-defense clause replace NATO’s Article 5?

By James Batchik and Katherine Johnson

The European Union's mutual-defense clause, less well-known than NATO's commitment under Article 5 that an attack on one is an attack on all, is receiving new attention in light of questions over the US security commitment to Europe.

European Union NATO
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Experts

Fellow

Anca Agachi

Nonresident Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Africa Conflict

Fellow

Osamah Al Rawhani

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Middle East Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Fellow

Ibrahim Al-Assil

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Bisher Al-Khasawneh

Distinguished Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

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

Arabic Defense Policy

Fellow

Omar Al-Nidawi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Energy & Environment

Fellow

Alexander Alden

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Policy English
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Events

Public Event Thu, June 4, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

Pandora’s prompt: AI and the biological threat
Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Protection Intelligence National Security
Online Event Fri, June 5, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

Russia’s illicit exploitation of foreign nationals for its war against Ukraine
Europe & Eurasia Human Rights Resilience & Society Russia
Public Event Wed, June 17, 2026 • 3:30 pm ET

Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis on the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara

AN AC FRONT PAGE EVENT—The Atlantic Council is hosting Senators Shaheen and Tillis for a conversation on the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara.
Europe & Eurasia NATO Security & Defense