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

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

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

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 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

In the News

Jan 5, 2026

Kroenig quoted in Politico on US policy in Venezuela

By Atlantic Council

On January 5, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in Politico's "National Security Daily" on the Trump administration's Venezuela policy. He explains that administration's ambiguity is intentional and aimed at preventing fractures within the Republican party.

National Security Politics & Diplomacy

Dispatches

Jan 5, 2026

Now comes the hard part: What Trump should do next to secure Venezuela’s democratic future

By Jason Marczak

The United States is now forced to depend on the remnants of the Maduro regime for the next stage in the mission.

Democratic Transitions Latin America

Dispatches

Jan 5, 2026

Greenland is Europe’s strategic blind spot—and its responsibility

By Justina Budginaite-Froehly

If Europe wants to ensure that no one can do to Greenland what the United States did in Venezuela, then it must stop relying on rules alone.

Europe & Eurasia Greenland

Dispatches

Jan 5, 2026

The Trump Corollary is officially in effect

The Trump administration has a unique opportunity to reimagine the contours of US hemispheric defense for years to come.

International Norms Latin America

Dispatches

Jan 5, 2026

The US capture of Maduro reveals Russia’s weakness

By John E. Herbst

The Kremlin’s muted response to the Venezuelan strongman’s ouster reveals a Russia limited in its capabilities and constrained in its diplomatic leverage.

Politics & Diplomacy Russia
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Experts

Millennium fellow

Lauren Fenley

Project Engineer, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems

Millennium Leadership Program

Afghanistan Americas

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Nathan K. Finney

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Conflict Defense Policy

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Jörn Fleck

Senior Director

Europe Center Transform Europe Initiative

Digital Policy Economy & Business

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Cori Fleser

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Americas Defense Policy

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Marie Forestier 

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic French

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Denise Forsthuber

Deputy Director, Strategic Engagement and Operations

Europe Center Transform Europe Initiative

Central Europe Eastern Europe
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Events

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