Content

Dispatches

Feb 19, 2026

Before striking Iran, Trump should answer these six questions

By Nate Swanson

As negotiations falter, a new conflict looks increasingly likely. Asking the right questions now can prevent problems later on.

Conflict
Iran

UkraineAlert

Feb 19, 2026

Ukraine hopes escalating Russian losses will push Putin toward peace

By David Kirichenko

As the Russian invasion enters a fifth year, Ukraine is hoping escalating Russian losses can finally force Putin to seek a meaningful settlement, writes David Kirichenko.

Conflict
Defense Policy

UkraineAlert

Feb 19, 2026

As Russian battlefield losses mount, Putin is turning to Africa for soldiers

By Katherine Spencer

Russia’s growing reliance on African recruits to continue the war in Ukraine is a powerful symbol of an invasion that has gone horribly wrong for Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin, writes Katherine Spencer.

Africa
Conflict

In the News

Feb 19, 2026

High North workshop report released

On December 10, 2025, the Northern Europe Office organized a workshop in collaboration with the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The workshop focused on the High North in a new strategic context, with the purpose of analyzing how the changing security situation in the Arctic and the North Atlantic affects stability, deterrence and cooperation in […]

Northern Europe
Security & Defense

MENASource

Feb 18, 2026

Israel needs a fundamental shift in its foreign policy

By Amir Asmar

Israel's international standing has been tarnished by its conduct in Gaza, but the apparent end of the war presents a unique moment for reexamination.

Conflict
International Norms

GeoTech Cues

Feb 18, 2026

To compete with China in space, the US must form more equitable commercial partnerships with African nations

By Maureen Farrell and Matt Petit

To counter China’s space diplomacy efforts, the United States must make creative investments across multiple sectors of African economies.

Africa
National Security

In the News

Feb 18, 2026

Kroenig interviewed on NHK Japan Broadcasting on the expiration of New START

By Atlantic Council

On February 13, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on NHK Japan Broadcasting about the expiration of New START and implications for the US and its allies.

Nuclear Deterrence
Security & Defense

In the News

Feb 18, 2026

Kroenig quoted in The Guardian on Secretary Rubio’s speech at the Munich Security Conference

By Atlantic Council

On February 17, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in The Guardian on Secretary of State Marco Rubio's speech at the Munich Security Conference.

Europe & Eurasia
Security & Defense

UkraineAlert

Feb 17, 2026

Ukrainian defense tech companies must prepare for export opportunities

By Michael Druckman

Ukraine’s defense sector has already demonstrated enormous battlefield credibility. The next phase is commercial and institutional credibility, writes Michael Druckman.

Conflict
Defense Industry

Dispatches

Feb 17, 2026

Dispatch from Munich: Pursuing Middle East integration during a time of upheaval

By Allison Minor

The next year will provide an important opportunity to channel changes across the Middle East toward greater integration and stability.

Middle East
Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Experts

Events