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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Gray interviewed on Times Radio on the Trump administration’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
Gray interviewed on Times Radio on the Trump administration’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
Gray interviewed on Times Radio on the Trump administration’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 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

In the News

Jan 5, 2026

Ellwood in Express on restoring National Service

By Atlantic Council

On January 4, GeoStrategy Initiative distinguished fellow Tobias Ellwood authored an opinion piece in Express titled "The UK is woefully underprepared for global war – we must bring back National Service." He explains that the United Kingdom has grown complacent and argues that restoring mandatory national service is essential amid intensifying strategic competition.

Defense Policy Security & Defense

In the News

Jan 5, 2026

Kroenig quoted in Wall Street Journal on US operation in Venezuela

By Atlantic Council

On January 4, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in a Wall Street Journal article titled "A New Trump Game Plan Takes Shape: Strike and Coerce." He evokes the Maduro regime's ties to US adversaries and affirms the US military's ability to operate in multiple theatres.

Defense Policy Security & Defense

Uncategorized

Jan 5, 2026

Kroenig quoted in Bloomberg on Trump’s Venezuela strategy

By Atlantic Council

On January 4, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in a Bloomberg article titled "Trump Snatches Maduro But Leaves His Regime in Charge for Now." He explains that the Trump administration is attempting to influence the Venezuelan vice president to secure outcomes favorable to the US.

National Security Political Reform

In the News

Jan 5, 2026

Kroenig quoted in Politico on the Trump administration’s Venezuela policy

By Atlantic Council

On January 3, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in a Politico article titled "The hawks are winning." He argues that widespread support for military action in Venezuela was driven less by policy conviction than by an awareness of internal power dynamics, with officials mindful of where influence resides within the White House.

Defense Policy Security & Defense
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Experts

Fellow

Lisa Aronsson

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Fellow

Amir Asmar

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Intelligence Israel

Fellow

Victor Atkins

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Crisis Management Cybersecurity

Fellow

Kyle Atwell

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Colombia

Fellow

David Auerswald

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Marino Auffant

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Economy & Business Energy & Environment
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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
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Game changers: Cures for 21st century biological threats
National Security Technology & Innovation United States and Canada
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The 2026 Iraq Dialogue
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy