Security & Defense

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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US secures new Belarus prisoner release in exchange for sanctions relief

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
US secures new Belarus prisoner release in exchange for sanctions relief

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
US secures new Belarus prisoner release in exchange for sanctions relief

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

UkraineAlert

Mar 24, 2026

US secures new Belarus prisoner release in exchange for sanctions relief

By Mercedes Sapuppo

Belarus dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka released 250 political prisoners on March 19 in exchange for US sanctions relief as Washington’s efforts to revive diplomatic ties with Minsk continued, writes Mercedes Sapuppo.

Belarus Conflict

UkraineAlert

Mar 24, 2026

Could Russia use fake separatists to destabilize Estonia and discredit NATO?

By James Rice

In recent weeks, references to a pro-Russian separatist movement in neighboring Estonia have begun appearing with increasing frequency on social media. However, not everyone is convinced that the so-called "Narva People's Republic" is worthy of serious attention, writes James Rice.

Conflict Disinformation

In the News

Mar 24, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Post: Courage, not recklessness: Why Netanyahu and Trump were right on Iran

By Atlantic Council

Iran Israel

Inflection Points

Mar 23, 2026

Trump is fighting two wars with Iran. He needs to win both.

By Frederick Kempe

Nothing could be more short-sighted than leaving a vengeful and still formidable Iranian regime in place.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Mar 23, 2026

The Iran conflict exposes the new cost curve of war

By Nic Adams

The Pentagon must rapidly field innovative, lower-cost technologies alongside its exquisite capabilities, ensuring each is used where it delivers the greatest advantage.

Conflict Defense Industry

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Mar 23, 2026

Braw in Foreign Policy on seafarers trapped in the Persian Gulf

By Elisabeth Braw

On March 23, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Elisabeth Braw was published in Foreign Policy in an article describing how the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has stranded thousands of seafarers and disrupted global shipping amid escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Crisis Management Middle East

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Mar 23, 2026

Braw in Future Center on the hidden risks facing the Strait of Hormuz

By Elisabeth Braw

On March 23, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Elisabeth Braw was published in Future Center in an article examining how conflict in the Strait of Hormuz threatens not only global energy flows but also the undersea cables that underpin international communications and digital connectivity.

Middle East Security & Defense

Dispatches

Mar 23, 2026

What Romania’s role in the Iran war reveals about its diplomatic positioning

By Alex Șerban, Kirsten Fontenrose

Amid transatlantic differences over the Iran war, Romania’s ability to maintain a balance between Washington and its European partners is a valuable strategic contribution to NATO.

Central Europe Conflict

In the News

Mar 23, 2026

Daniels interviewed on Fox Report on AI tools in Iran

By Atlantic Council

On March 22, Forward Defense Nonresident Senior Fellow Owen Daniels was interviewed on Fox Report on the topic of the use of artificial intelligence in the Iran conflict.

Artificial Intelligence Defense Policy

In the News

Mar 20, 2026

Kroenig quoted in The Economist on war in Iran

By Atlantic Council

On March 19, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in The Economist on US action in Iran, arguing that President Trump is weakening a regime hostile to the United States.

Iran Security & Defense
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Experts

Staff

Kitsch Liao

Associate Director

Global China Hub

China Security & Defense

Fellow

Keir Lieber

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Defense Policy

Fellow

Jeffrey Lightfoot

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

English Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Catherine Lin

Visiting Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

East Asia Indo-Pacific

Millennium fellow

Merry Lin

Former Senior Advisor, National Economic Council, The White House

Millennium Leadership Program

China East Asia

Fellow

Greg Lindsay

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

National Security Technology & Innovation
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Events

Public Event Mon, June 15, 2026 • 12:30 pm ET

How should the United States counter Russia and China’s hybrid warfare?
China East Asia Eastern Europe Europe & Eurasia
Public Event Wed, June 17, 2026 • 3:30 pm ET

Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis on the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara

AN AC FRONT PAGE EVENT—The Atlantic Council is hosting Senators Shaheen and Tillis for a conversation on the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara.
Europe & Eurasia NATO Security & Defense