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

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

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

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

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

New Atlanticist

Nov 7, 2025

With Hezbollah rearming, Israel must heed the lessons of October 7

By Jonathan Rosenstein

Only by combining military strength, diplomatic coordination, and strategic foresight can Israel keep the terrorist group in check.

Israel Lebanon

In the News

Nov 7, 2025

Ruggiero in the Washington Post on Trump’s nuclear testing announcement

On November 6, Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Anthony Ruggiero was quoted in an a Washington Post article entitled “Trump’s ill-defined nuclear test threat compels a response from Putin,” in which he discussed Trump’s motivation to restart nuclear testing.

Arms Control Nuclear Deterrence

In the News

Nov 6, 2025

Wieslander on Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

Anna Wieslander, Director for Northern Europe, featured on Thursday November 6 in the Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs on the Arctic. Wieslander discussed how the Arctic from a European perspective has gone from a non-tension area with essentially no focus on security issues, to an area of increasing tensions […]

Northern Europe Security & Defense
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Experts

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Sarah Oh

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Crisis Management Digital Policy

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Victoria Olari

Research Associate, Moldova

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Democratic Transitions Disinformation

Fellow

Christopher Olson

Veterans Advanced Energy Fellow

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Security & Defense

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Kayla T. Orta

Nonresident Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Arms Control East Asia

Fellow

Oscar Meywa Otele

Nonresident Fellow

Global China Hub

Africa Climate Change & Climate Action

Fellow

Rich Outzen

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Atlantic Council Turkey Program

Arabic Central Asia
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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