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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Convergence and divergence in US and EU policies on China

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
Convergence and divergence in US and EU policies on China

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
Convergence and divergence in US and EU policies on China

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

Report

Nov 10, 2025

Convergence and divergence in US and EU policies on China

By Zoltán Fehér

Where have US and EU polices on China drifted apart—and where do they converge? Identifying areas of conflict and alignment can help decision-makers on both sides of the Atlantic develop strategies to strengthen cooperation and more effectively counter China’s political and economic influence.

China Economy & Business

Report

Nov 10, 2025

Czechia’s policy on China: Swinging between engagement and de-risking

By Zoltán Fehér

Although Czechia emerged as one of the EU’s early hawks and whistleblowers on China, its overall stance has shifted markedly over the past two decades—oscillating between engagement and balancing, with the fluctuations largely driven by domestic political divisions and sustained Chinese influence efforts.

Central Europe China

Report

Nov 10, 2025

How Europe deals with China in trade, technology, and security

By Valbona Zeneli

The EU’s approach to China is increasingly converging around “de-risking,” though progress remains uneven. While powerful member states set the overall direction, smaller ones drive change—and outliers slow collective action. Whether the EU can turn this patchwork into a unified strategy will define its China policy in the years ahead.

China Economy & Business

Report

Nov 10, 2025

The European Commission’s role in steering Europe’s strategic outlook

By Zoltán Fehér

Over the past decade, the European Commission has led the EU’s pivot toward balancing and “de-risking” China. Trade and investment have been at the heart of this strategy, not only because of the Commission’s authority in these domains, but also because they are the primary channels through which China challenges Europe’s economic and political interests.

China Economy & Business

Report

Nov 10, 2025

The geopolitical trends shaping the EU’s policies on China

By Zoltán Fehér, Valbona Zeneli

European policies on China are shaped by four major geopolitical trends: intensifying US-China competition, uncertainty about sustained US engagement in Europe and globally, China’s support for Russia’s war on Ukraine, and Beijing’s growing economic and technological challenge to the EU.

China Economy & Business

Report

Nov 10, 2025

Recommendations for coordinating US-EU policy

By Zoltán Fehér, Valbona Zeneli

To effectively counter China, the United States should prioritize closer coordination with the EU in key areas: economic security, supply chains, anti-coercion, and strategic investment. Joint efforts on trade and investment, technology, and security will be crucial to ensure aligned US-EU action.

China Economy & Business

Report

Nov 10, 2025

Lithuania’s policy on China: An unlikely EU trailblazer

By Valbona Zeneli

Lithuania’s defiance of Chinese pressure has made it a policy innovator in the EU, showing how a small state can strengthen collective resilience. Its firm stance on Taiwan and push for European unity have anchored the EU’s shift toward de-risking and closer transatlantic coordination.

China Economy & Business

UkraineAlert

Nov 10, 2025

Angelina Jolie highlights the horrors of Russia’s ‘human safari’ in Ukraine

By Peter Dickinson

Hollywood star Angelina Jolie paid a surprise visit to Ukraine in early November to help raise international awareness about Russia's 'human safari' campaign of drone killings targeting Ukrainian civilians, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Drones

In the News

Nov 9, 2025

Rich Outzen interview with i24 on UK assistance to Belgium’s counter-drone defenses
Defense Industry Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Nov 7, 2025

Representative Adam Smith on the NDAA, Venezuela, and the United States’ role in the world

By Daniel Hojnacki

The congressman discussed the National Defense Authorization Act and the Trump administration’s attacks on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and Pacific.

Conflict Defense Industry
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Experts

Fellow

Max Brooks

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Crisis Management National Security

Fellow

Andrew Brown

Nonresident Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Indo-Pacific Intelligence

Fellow

Ian Brzezinski

Senior Fellow

Europe Center Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Central Europe Defense Policy

Fellow

Justina Budginaite-Froehly

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center Transatlantic Security Initiative

Defense Industry European Union

Fellow

Benjamin Byboth

Veterans Advanced Energy Fellow

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Security & Defense

Fellow

Debra Cagan

Senior Advisor, Eurasia Center

Eurasia Center

Defense Industry Defense Technologies
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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