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

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

UkraineAlert

Feb 17, 2026

A bad Ukraine peace could ignite new wars in Russia’s former empire

By Joseph Epstein

If a settlement in Ukraine frees up Russian military resources without establishing credible deterrents against further Kremlin aggression, Moscow will have the means and the motive to reassert dominance elsewhere in its former empire, writes Joseph Epstein.

Central Asia European Union

In the News

Feb 17, 2026

Klein quoted in Forbes article on Russian escalation in space

By Atlantic Council

On February 14, Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow John Klein was quoted in a Forbes article on the threat posed by a Russian nuclear-armed ASAT and the need to develop adequate countermeasures. Dr. Klein discussed his recent Atlantic Council report, co-authored with Clementine Starling-Daniels, on Countering Russian escalation in space, and urged US defense planners […]

Russia Space Security

Inflection Points

Feb 17, 2026

Dispatch from Munich: Europe is growing stronger, but will it be fast enough to save Ukraine?

By Frederick Kempe

The recent Munich Security Conference underscored the urgency with which European nations must act to address their vulnerabilities.

European Union NATO

Dispatches

Feb 16, 2026

The promise and peril of Trump’s Board of Peace

By Eric Alter

The inaugural meeting of President Donald Trump’s initiative to manage the post-conflict reconstruction of Gaza takes place on February 19.

Conflict Middle East

In the News

Feb 15, 2026

Wieslander on Swedish television

On Sunday, February 15, Director for Northern Europe, Anna Wieslander, appeared on a special news broadcast on Swedish National Television about the European security environment in light of the Munich Security Conference. Following her attendance at the conference, Wieslander was featured as one of the experts responding to questions submitted by the public. Commenting on […]

Northern Europe Security & Defense

In the News

Feb 15, 2026

Ahmed Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Iran at the Edge: Pressure, Transition, and the Responsibility of Clarity

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions Iran

MENASource

Feb 15, 2026

Six reasons why Trump should choose the military option in Iran

By Michael Rozenblat

The benefits of fundamentally changing—or even eliminating—the Islamic Republic could outweigh the risks if the alternative is an emboldened, undeterred Iran.

Conflict Iran

Fast Thinking

Feb 14, 2026

What Rubio said in Munich, what Europe heard, and what comes next

By Atlantic Council

The US secretary of state delivered a notably positive message to allies at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

In the News

Feb 13, 2026

Kroenig quoted in Semafor on the future of US-Europe relations

By Atlantic Council

On February 13, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in Semafor on the future of US-Europe relations, arguing that the US will continue to play a leadership role, even as Europe works to bolster its autonomy.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Experts

Events