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

In the News

Jan 7, 2026

Kroenig on DW News on US oil tanker seizures in the Caribbean

By Atlantic Council

On January 7, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on DW-TV about the US seizure of a Russian flagged oil tanker carrying Venezuelan oil. He contends that the move signaled US resolve in quarantining the Venezuelan regime and adopting a firmer approach toward Russia in the Western hemisphere.

Americas Latin America

Dispatches

Jan 7, 2026

What to watch as anti-regime protests engulf Iran

By Nate Swanson

Recent protests expose the Iranian government’s inability to meet the economic, social, and political demands of its people.

Civil Society Iran

UkraineAlert

Jan 7, 2026

Ukraine security guarantees are futile without increased pressure on Putin

By Peter Dickinson

Western leaders have hailed progress toward "robust" security guarantees for Ukraine this week, but until Putin faces increased pressure to make peace, Russia will remain committed to continuing the war, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict France

In the News

Jan 7, 2026

Wieslander on Swedish radio

Anna Wieslander, Director for Northern Europe, appeared twice on Swedish radio on Wednesday, January 7th, to comment on the Trump Administration’s threats to take over Greenland and the implications for the future of NATO. “The situation is very serious, and without a negotiated path forward, the future of defense cooperation within NATO is at risk”, […]

Northern Europe Security & Defense

In the News

Jan 7, 2026

Wieslander on Swedish TV

On Wednesday January 7th, Anna Wieslander, Director for Northern Europe, appeared on Swedish news program “Aktuellt” to give her thoughts on the United States’ shifting foreign policy priorities and their consequences for Europe.

Northern Europe Security & Defense

In the News

Jan 7, 2026

Kroenig interviewed on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Trump’s foreign policy

By Atlantic Council

On January 7, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on recent developments in US foreign policy. He explains that Trump's threats of military action in Greenland are a negotiating tactic, defends the decision to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, and argues that the administration will shift its focus to Cuba and its collaboration with the People's Republic of China next.

Americas Europe & Eurasia

Dispatches

Jan 7, 2026

Why Maduro’s removal could ultimately benefit China

By Melanie Hart

Two important factors make the recent US operation in Venezuela less of a loss for China than many analysts realize.

China Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jan 6, 2026

Gray interviewed on RealClearPolitics podcast on Venezuela and Greenland

By Atlantic Council

On January 6, Alexander B. Gray, a GeoStrategy Initiative nonresident senior fellow, was interviewed on RealClearPolitics podcast about the futures of Venezuela and Greenland. He explains that, due to historical precedent and divisions within opposition groups, Venezuela will likely require a transitional government before elections take place. He also argues that as the Arctic emerges as a key strategic region, closer collaboration with Greenland is essential to US security interests.

Americas NATO

In the News

Jan 6, 2026

Kroenig featured in the New York Times on ousting Maduro

By Atlantic Council

On January 6, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig wrote an article in the New York Times titled "Trump Was Right to Oust Maduro." He argues that Maduro threatened vital US security interests, and that his removal from power creates opportunity for better governance in Venezuela.

Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense

In the News

Jan 5, 2026

Gray interviewed on Times Radio on the Trump administration’s foreign policy

By Atlantic Council

On January 5, Alexander B. Gray, a GeoStrategy Initiative nonresident senior fellow, was interviewed on Times Radio about the Trump administration's foreign policy. He explains that the Trump administration is prioritizing hemispheric defense, and, in the long term, deems European nations strong enough to confront a declining Russia.

Americas Europe & Eurasia

Experts

Events