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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Rich Outzen joins i24 for an interview on US troops in Syria

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
Rich Outzen joins i24 for an interview on US troops in Syria

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
Rich Outzen joins i24 for an interview on US troops in Syria

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

Nov 6, 2025

Rich Outzen joins i24 for an interview on US troops in Syria
Defense Policy Middle East

MENASource

Nov 5, 2025

Why China is here to stay in Iraq’s energy sector

By Jared Levy and Ben Van Heuvelen

Regardless of the specific makeup of the next Iraqi government, it is likely that Chinese firms will continue to enjoy an advantage.

Elections Iraq

New Atlanticist

Nov 5, 2025

With Trump’s threats of military intervention in Nigeria, Tinubu faces a delicate balancing act

By Ohimai Amaize

With Nigeria on the brink of a diplomatic crisis with the United States, President Bola Tinubu must confront extremist violence without inflaming sectarian divides and rebuild diplomatic ties with Washington.

Extremism Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

New Atlanticist

Nov 4, 2025

Trump has an opportunity to unblock Ukraine’s EU accession in his meeting with Orbán

By James Batchik

Getting Hungary to drop its opposition to Ukraine’s European Union accession would be a strategic coup for Ukraine, Europe, and Washington.

Conflict Eurozone

UkraineAlert

Nov 4, 2025

EU praises Ukraine’s progress but warns Zelenskyy over corruption

By Peter Dickinson

Ukraine’s bid to join the EU received a boost this week with the release of a report praising the country’s progress toward future membership, but EU officials also warned President Zelenskyy about the dangers of backsliding on anti-corruption reforms, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Corruption

New Atlanticist

Nov 4, 2025

Facing the threat of US strikes, Maduro has requested Russia’s help. He shouldn’t expect much.

By Imran Bayoumi, Shelby Magid

Focused on its war against Ukraine and struggling with the effects of Western sanctions, the Kremlin is unlikely to provide significant assistance to the Maduro regime.

Conflict Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

MENASource

Nov 4, 2025

Twelve questions (and expert answers) on the Iraq elections

By Atlantic Council experts

Iraq is set to hold elections on November 11. Our experts unpack the key questions looming over the landmark vote.

Elections Iraq

AfricaSource

Nov 4, 2025

The Millennium Challenge Corporation is needed for peace in the Great Lakes Region—and US mineral security

By Aubrey Hruby

The Trump administration must back its diplomacy by demonstrating the United States' willingness to turn fragile deals into local development.

Africa Conflict

In the News

Nov 4, 2025

Galicia advocates for “networked deterrence” to counter China in the Indo-Pacific

On September 23, Scowcroft Center program assistant Bailey Galicia published an article with the Irregular Warfare Initiative titled, “Austronesian Identity as ‘Networked Deterrence’ in the Indo-Pacific.” He explores the potential of leveraging shared cultural identity in the Indo-Pacific to counter Chinese gray zone actions. The article won third place in the Irregular Warfare Initiative’s 2025 […]

China Indo-Pacific

Issue Brief

Nov 4, 2025

A next-generation agenda: South Korea-US-Australia security cooperation

By Lauren D. Gilbert, Kester Abbott, Hannah Heewon Seo

Growing collaboration and cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Australia could be key to maintaining security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The Atlantic Council and the Korea Foundation gathered rising experts from the United States, South Korea, and Australia to identify obstacles to that cooperation and opportunities to overcome them.

Australia Defense Industry
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Experts

Millennium fellow

Beka Kiria

Senior Policymaker, Ministry of Defense, Georgia

Millennium Leadership Program

Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy
Josh Kirshner is a nonresident senior fellow in the GeoStrategy Initiative at the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security.

Fellow

Josh Kirshner

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Arms Control Defense Policy

Fellow

Mark Klamberg

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

English European Union

Fellow

John Klein

Nonresident senior fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

Fellow

Jason Knapp

Veterans Advanced Energy Fellow

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Security & Defense

Fellow

Tom Koch

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Conflict
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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