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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Five outcomes that would make Trump’s trip to China a success

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
Five outcomes that would make Trump’s trip to China a success

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
Five outcomes that would make Trump’s trip to China a success

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

May 11, 2026

Five outcomes that would make Trump’s trip to China a success

By Melanie Hart

Though surprises are always possible, the meetings in Beijing will likely be defined by a narrow set of deliverables.

China Economy & Business

In the News

May 11, 2026

Kroenig published in Foreign Policy on Iran’s uranium enrichment

By Atlantic Council

On May 11, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig published an article in Foreign Policy, arguing that Iran does not have a right to enrich uranium and that Trump should push for zero enrichment in perpetuity as part of any deal with Tehran.

Iran Nuclear Nonproliferation

Dispatches

May 10, 2026

Now is the time for a US ‘grand deal’ with Azerbaijan

By Andrew D’Anieri, Mercedes Sapuppo

The White House should work with Congress to propose ending a ban on arms sales to Baku in exchange for the release of unjustly detained individuals.

Human Rights Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Podcast

May 8, 2026

So what’s the strategy for China?

By the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Host Matthew Kroenig is joined by Kurt Campbell, chairman and co-founder of The Asia Group, to discuss former President Joe Biden’s strategy toward China, the Trump administration's strategic approach to Beijing, and Donald Trump’s upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Campbell most recently served as the 22nd US deputy secretary of state. Previously, as assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, he was widely credited as the architect of the US “pivot to Asia.”

China Security & Defense

Dispatches

May 8, 2026

Costa Rica’s paradox of political continuity

By María Fernanda Bozmoski

Across Latin America, voters have punished incumbents and rejected traditional parties. Costa Rica appears to be an exception.

Central America Elections

In the News

May 8, 2026

Kroenig quoted in Semafor on Trump and NATO

On May 8, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in Semafor on President Trump's view of NATO.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

In the News

May 8, 2026

Kroenig interviewed on KNX News on the conflict in Iran

By Atlantic Council

On May 7, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on KNX News about the conflict in Iran.

Italy Security & Defense

Dispatches

May 7, 2026

How the Trump administration can reform the Jones Act to lower US energy costs

By David L. Goldwyn, Reid I’Anson, and Andrea Clabough

Shippers should be allowed to use non–Jones Act compliant vessels as long as no alternative is available.

Conflict Economy & Business

UkraineAlert

May 7, 2026

Putin is dragging Belarus deeper into Russia’s Ukraine invasion

By Hanna Liubakova

Belarus may not currently be poised to join the invasion of Ukraine, but Vladimir Putin is clearly intent on dragging the country deeper into Russia’s war effort, writes Hanna Liubakova.

Belarus Conflict

Dispatches

May 7, 2026

What Gulf states need in a US-Iran deal

By Eric Alter

Any Strait of Hormuz agreement must establish a framework in which states economically dependent on the waterway help monitor and enforce its terms.

Conflict Middle East
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Experts

Staff

Nika Aleksejeva

Resident Fellow, Baltics

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Belarus Disinformation

Fellow

Ahmed F. Alkhatib

Resident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

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

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Léonie Allard

Nonresident senior fellow

Europe Center

Africa Chinese

Millennium fellow

Kirk Allen

Digital Communications Lead, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

Millennium Leadership Program

Middle East NATO Partnerships

Fellow

Michael Allen

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Cybersecurity

Fellow

Wa’el Alzayat

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business
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Events

Public Event Wed, May 13, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

The 2026 Iraq Dialogue
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
Public Event Thu, May 14, 2026 • 8:30 am ET

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa on security in the Western Hemisphere

AN AC FRONT PAGE EVENT—Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa speaks on his security priorities, the role of the United States in achieving them, and how countries in the hemisphere can work together to address shared challenges.
Latin America Security & Defense
Online Event Mon, May 18, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

Warsaw Week 2026
Defense Industry Defense Policy Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense
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