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.

Content

Inflection Points

Feb 23, 2026

The Long Telegram just turned 80. Our times demand a new one.

By Frederick Kempe

Following Kennan’s example during the Cold War, the United States today needs to clarify the challenges it is facing at this dangerous new inflection point.

China Politics & Diplomacy

Dispatches

Feb 21, 2026

Ten predictions for the potential US strikes on Iran

By William F. Wechsler

There are more likely and less likely possibilities for what will happen if US President Donald Trump decides to launch an attack on Iran.

Conflict Iran

AfricaSource

Feb 20, 2026

Five forces that may reshape the African continent in 2026

By Rama Yade

African countries have new opportunities to launch partnerships that serve the continent’s interests and to more permanently carve out Africa’s role in geopolitics

Africa Economy & Business

MENASource

Feb 20, 2026

Iran’s regime is suffering from strategic vertigo. Its next misstep may be its last.

By Michael Rozenblat

Iranian leaders continue to see their major decisions backfire. Will they choose obstinance again in ongoing talks with the US?

Conflict Iran

Dispatches

Feb 20, 2026

NATO needs to define the substance of its 1.5 percent pledge

By Franklin D. Kramer, Hans Binnendijk

The Alliance must decide on the details for its new category of defense-related spending that allies agreed to at The Hague summit in 2025.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

In the News

Feb 20, 2026

Kroenig interviewed on CBS News on US strategy in Iran and the Board of Peace

By Atlantic Council

On February 19, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on CBS News about potential US strikes in Iran and the Board of Peace.

Iran Middle East

Issue Brief

Feb 20, 2026

Four options for arms control after New START

By Amy Woolf

With the last quantitative limit on the world's largest nuclear arsenals now expired, Washington finds itself in a new and uncertain era, with less clarity about Russia’s nuclear forces, plans to upgrade its own, and growing concern about China's. The best option may be trilateral talks—but not about a new arms control treaty.

Arms Control China

Dispatches

Feb 20, 2026

What I heard in Munich: ‘We Europeans need a plan’

By Anna Wieslander

Hopes of a bold, unified initiative led by Germany, France, and the United Kingdom did not materialize at the recent Munich Security Conference.

Europe & Eurasia France

UkraineAlert

Feb 20, 2026

After four years of Russia’s invasion, time to stop underestimating Ukraine

By Mykola Bielieskov

As Russia's invasion of Ukraine enters a fifth year, it is time to stop underestimating the Ukrainian military and recognize that Kyiv is now a major military power with plenty of trump cards in its possession, writes Mykola Bielieskov.

Conflict Defense Technologies

MENASource

Feb 20, 2026

Syria is not Libya, but it could become one if the world looks away

By Kurt Davis Jr.

There are lessons from Libya's fragmentation and collapse that can be applied now as Syria sits at a similar inflection point.

Conflict Libya

Experts

Events