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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Wieslander published in Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences

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
Wieslander published in Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences

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
Wieslander published in Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences

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

Feb 23, 2026

Wieslander published in Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences

On Monday, February 23, Anna Wieslander, Director for Northern Europe, was published in the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences. In the piece, Wieslander argues that the new U.S. National Security Strategy, released by the Trump administration in November 2025, has left Europe squeezed from both the east and the west. “To the east, Europe […]

Northern Europe Security & Defense

AfricaSource

Feb 23, 2026

The Sahel’s most acute crisis is unfolding in Burkina Faso

By Jordanna Yochai

While Mali draws headlines, Burkina Faso has become the Sahel’s true epicenter of extremist violence. As insecurity spreads, President Ibrahim Traoré has tightened his grip on power—

English Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Feb 23, 2026

Costa quoted in NBC News article on potential Iranian responses to US strikes

By Atlantic Council

On February 23, Director of the Atlantic Council’s Forward Defense Program Joe Costa was quoted in an article from NBC News on Iran’s retaliatory responses to possible US strikes. Costa warns that if the threat becomes existential for the Iranian regime, Iran’s response would be more aggressive.

Conflict Iran

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
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Experts

Expert bio

Loneta Progni

Visiting Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Albanian English

Advisory Council member

Arnold Punaro

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Fellow

Patrick Quirk

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center GeoStrategy Initiative

Civil Society Conflict

Fellow

Omer Rafiq

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Hindi

Fellow

Roya Rahmani

Senior Advisor

South Asia Center

Afghanistan Dari

Fellow

John Raidt

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Middle East Security & Defense
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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
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