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.

Explore
Russia bombs UNESCO site as Putin escalates attacks on Ukrainian civilians

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
Russia bombs UNESCO site as Putin escalates attacks on Ukrainian civilians

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
Russia bombs UNESCO site as Putin escalates attacks on Ukrainian civilians

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.

Learn more

Content

UkraineAlert

Mar 24, 2026

Russia bombs UNESCO site as Putin escalates attacks on Ukrainian civilians

By Peter Dickinson

Russia bombed a UNESCO World Heritage site in the historic heart of west Ukrainian city Lviv on March 24 as Kremlin efforts to target Ukraine’s civilian population continue to escalate, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Drones

UkraineAlert

Mar 24, 2026

US secures new Belarus prisoner release in exchange for sanctions relief

By Mercedes Sapuppo

Belarus dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka released 250 political prisoners on March 19 in exchange for US sanctions relief as Washington’s efforts to revive diplomatic ties with Minsk continued, writes Mercedes Sapuppo.

Belarus Conflict

UkraineAlert

Mar 24, 2026

Could Russia use fake separatists to destabilize Estonia and discredit NATO?

By James Rice

In recent weeks, references to a pro-Russian separatist movement in neighboring Estonia have begun appearing with increasing frequency on social media. However, not everyone is convinced that the so-called "Narva People's Republic" is worthy of serious attention, writes James Rice.

Conflict Disinformation

In the News

Mar 24, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Post: Courage, not recklessness: Why Netanyahu and Trump were right on Iran

By Atlantic Council

Iran Israel

Inflection Points

Mar 23, 2026

Trump is fighting two wars with Iran. He needs to win both.

By Frederick Kempe

Nothing could be more short-sighted than leaving a vengeful and still formidable Iranian regime in place.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Mar 23, 2026

The Iran conflict exposes the new cost curve of war

By Nic Adams

The Pentagon must rapidly field innovative, lower-cost technologies alongside its exquisite capabilities, ensuring each is used where it delivers the greatest advantage.

Conflict Defense Industry

Dispatches

Mar 23, 2026

What Romania’s role in the Iran war reveals about its diplomatic positioning

By Alex Șerban, Kirsten Fontenrose

Amid transatlantic differences over the Iran war, Romania’s ability to maintain a balance between Washington and its European partners is a valuable strategic contribution to NATO.

Central Europe Conflict

In the News

Mar 20, 2026

Kroenig quoted in The Economist on war in Iran

By Atlantic Council

On March 19, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in The Economist on US action in Iran, arguing that President Trump is weakening a regime hostile to the United States.

Iran Security & Defense

Dispatches

Mar 20, 2026

Demand destruction has begun: What Sri Lanka reveals about the global energy crisis

By Phillip Cornell

The disruption to oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a systemic shock to energy markets, and Sri Lanka is on the front line.

Conflict Energy & Environment

In the News

Mar 20, 2026

Zagorodnyuk in Foreign Policy: Four years of war in Europe

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Europe & Eurasia
Load More

Experts

Fellow

Alexander Alden

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Policy English

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
Load More

Events

Online Event Thu, March 26, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

Still watching: How Venezuela deploys surveillance to maintain political control
Democratic Transitions Intelligence Latin America National Security
Online Event Fri, March 27, 2026 • 9:30 am ET

POSTPONED—IMEC during a time of war
Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia India Middle East
Public Event Fri, March 27, 2026 • 12:00 pm ET

How Ukraine’s drones and Russia’s reconnaissance fit into the Iran war
Conflict Defense Industry Defense Policy Defense Technologies
Load More