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
Rich Outzen joins ILTV to discuss Gaza and Israel-Iran tensions

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
Rich Outzen joins ILTV to discuss Gaza and Israel-Iran tensions

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
Rich Outzen joins ILTV to discuss Gaza and Israel-Iran tensions

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

Jan 25, 2026

Rich Outzen joins ILTV to discuss Gaza and Israel-Iran tensions
Iran Israel

In the News

Jan 24, 2026

Rich Outzen joins TRT World Now to discuss four-day Syria-YPG ceasefire
Conflict Middle East

Dispatches

Jan 23, 2026

What Trump could do next in Iran

By Nate Swanson

As a US carrier strike group nears the Persian Gulf, what options does US President Donald Trump have to strike against the Iranian regime?

Iran Middle East

Dispatches

Jan 22, 2026

Trump may move on from Greenland. Europe won’t.

By Jörn Fleck, James Batchik

Trump’s willingness to engage in brinkmanship with Europe over Greenland will have a lasting impact on how the continent’s leaders approach relations with Washington.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

Dispatches

Jan 22, 2026

To get the Greenland issue right, focus on alignment

By András Simonyi

The task now is not rhetorical escalation, but strategic certainty that secures Greenland and anchors it in the West.

Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy

Dispatches

Jan 22, 2026

The US is taking action against Russia’s shadow fleet. In the Baltic Sea, Europe should follow suit.

By Justina Budginaite-Froehly

European nations should force Russia’s shadow fleet out of the Baltic Sea and help to reshape the maritime legal order.

Maritime Security Northern Europe

In the News

Jan 22, 2026

Grundman in CNN reporting on defense contracting

On January 7, Forward Defense Senior Fellow Steven Grundman was featured in an article on CNN entitled “Trump threatens defense contractors with restrictions while promising sharp increase in spending,” arguing that Trump’s proposed limits on defense contractors’ buybacks, dividends, and executive pay would amount to an unprecedented form of state intervention. In his view, even if the intent is justified, the […]

Defense Industry Defense Policy

MENASource

Jan 22, 2026

Wang Yi’s MENA tour was long on messaging, short on outcomes

By Jonathan Fulton

Wang worked to position China as a defender of free trade and a reliable partner for the Middle East region.

China Geopolitics & Energy Security

Fast Thinking

Jan 21, 2026

The future of Greenland and NATO after Trump’s Davos deal

By Atlantic Council

Our experts shed light on Trump’s speech at Davos and what the “framework of a future deal” on Greenland means for transatlantic relations.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

Dispatches

Jan 21, 2026

By taking a win on Greenland, Trump set US and allied security in the Arctic on a better path

By Daniel Fried

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the US president pledged not to use force to take Greenland and rescinded planned tariffs against several European allies.

Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy
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Experts

Staff

Elise Baker

Senior Staff Lawyer, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society Extremism

Fellow

John B. Barranco

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Americas Iraq

Staff

Ilona Barrero

Program Assistant

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Colombia English

Fellow

Natalie Barrett

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoTech Center

Energy & Environment English

Fellow

Scott D. Berrier

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Fellow

Robert Bassett Cross MC

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy
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Events

Online Event Mon, March 16, 2026 • 10:30 am ET

What role should Europe play in the Middle East?
Conflict Europe & Eurasia European Union Middle East
Public Event Fri, April 10, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

Game changers: Cures for 21st century biological threats
National Security Technology & Innovation United States and Canada
Public Event Wed, May 13, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

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