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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Itani quoted in CNBC: Hezbollah is not a problem that was made by Lebanon, says prime minister

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
Itani quoted in CNBC: Hezbollah is not a problem that was made by Lebanon, says prime minister

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
Itani quoted in CNBC: Hezbollah is not a problem that was made by Lebanon, says prime minister

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

In the News

Sep 3, 2019

Itani quoted in CNBC: Hezbollah is not a problem that was made by Lebanon, says prime minister
Middle East Terrorism

New Atlanticist

Sep 3, 2019

US-Taliban negotiations: How to avoid rushing to failure

By James Dobbins, Robert P. Finn, Ronald E. Neumann, William Wood, John Negroponte, E. Anthony Wayne, Ryan Crocker, James Cunningham, Hugo Llorens

A major troop withdrawal must be contingent on a final peace. The initial US drawdown should not go so far or so fast that the Taliban believe that they can achieve military victory. In that case, they will not make compromises for peace with other Afghan political forces.

Afghanistan Democratic Transitions

In the News

Sep 3, 2019

Charai in the Jerusalem Post: Jared Kushner’s plan is worth trying

By Atlantic Council

Israel Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Photo Essay

Aug 31, 2019

On the ground with Iron Wolf: NATO put to the test

By Ieva Budzeikaite

An up-close look at NATO forces preparing to defend the Alliance's vital eastern flank.

NATO Northern Europe

MENASource

Aug 30, 2019

Israel actions against Hezbollah to boost Netanyahu in upcoming election?

By Nicholas Blanford

A number of unusual Israeli air strikes into Lebanon at the weekend have brought Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah organization potentially closer to conflict today than at any other time since the end of the month-long war between these two foes in July-August 2006.

Elections Israel

In the News

Aug 29, 2019

Hudson quoted in the New Humanitarian on Sudan’s transition

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

In the News

Aug 28, 2019

Hudson quoted in Middle East Eye on Hemeti’s rise to prominence in Sudan

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Sudan

In the News

Aug 27, 2019

Borghard in Strategic Studies Quarterly: Cyber operations as imperfect tools of escalation

By Atlantic Council

Erica and her co-author Shawn W. Lonergan argue that cyber operations are poor tools of escalation, contrary to popular sentiment. More about our expert

Conflict Cybersecurity

UkraineAlert

Aug 27, 2019

G7 leaders: the Kremlin is setting a trap. Don’t fall for it

By Arseniy Yatsenyuk

The Kremlin counts on using this goodwill to lead us into a trap of fatal mistakes.

Conflict International Norms

Infographic

Aug 26, 2019

NATO members are picking up the burden

By Transatlantic Security Initiative

While movement towards 2 percent may seem slow, it is clear that NATO allies are making significant changes to their defense spending.

Europe & Eurasia NATO
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Experts

Fellow

Jennifer A. Counter

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Technologies Intelligence

Staff

Amy Cowley

Assistant Director

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Conflict North & West Africa

Fellow

Shawn Creamer

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Indo-Pacific Security Initiative

Security & Defense East Asia

Fellow

Dario Cristiani

Nonresident Senior Fellow, North Africa Program

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Staff

Maeve Cuddy

Assistant Director

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Fellow

Gregg Curley

Senior US Marine Corps Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Policy Security & Defense
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Events

Online Event Mon, May 4, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

How are Ukraine’s new partnerships and drone innovations changing the war?
Defense Technologies Drones Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy
Public Event Fri, May 8, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

Is Russia’s war machine running out of steam?
Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy Russia Security & Defense
Public Event Wed, May 13, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

The 2026 Iraq Dialogue
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
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