Security & Defense

The week that shook Europe—and the historic test ahead

By Frederick Kempe

Trump has an opportunity to cement his place in history and preserve the hard-won gains of the post–World War II era. But any perceived or actual sellout to Russia’s despot would leave an indelible stain US global leadership.

Ukrainians are proudly democratic but resoundingly reject wartime elections

By Peter Dickinson

Ukraine's fight for democracy has been at the heart of the country's struggle against the past two decades of escalating Russian aggression, but Ukrainians overwhelmingly reject the idea of staging dangerous wartime elections before peace is secured, writes Peter Dickinson.

Trump and Putin seek economic reset but businesses may not rush back to Russia

By Edward Verona

As the Trump administration seeks to reset relations with Russia as part of a peace process to end the war in Ukraine, Moscow is pushing the idea of increased economic cooperation, writes Edward Verona.

Issue brief: A NATO strategy for countering Russia

By Ian Brzezinski, Ryan Arick

Russia poses the most direct and growing threat to NATO member states' security. This threat now includes the war in Ukraine, militarization in the Arctic, hybrid warfare, and arms control violations. Despite NATO's military and economic superiority, a unified and effective strategy is essential to counter Russia's aggression.

Syria’s rebuilding is bringing US partners Turkey and Saudi Arabia closer together

By Pınar Dost

Relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia are deepening, opening up new possibilities and implications for the region.

What Europeans think of Trump’s approach to Ukraine (and what they might do next)

By Atlantic Council experts

European leaders are waking up to calls from the Trump administration to take the lead on security for Ukraine. Atlantic Council experts share what that might look like from Berlin to Vilnius.

Beyond politics: The Atlantic Council’s enduring mission in a world transformed

By Frederick Kempe

As a nonpartisan organization, the Atlantic Council equips policymakers with the insights and analysis necessary to make informed decisions and advance US interests in an increasingly complex global environment.

Why India and Armenia are now taking their relationship to new heights

By Tatevik Khachatryan and Srujan Palkar

The growing military and diplomatic cooperation between New Delhi and Yerevan benefits both beyond immediate defense concerns.

Matthew Kroenig testifies to the House Committee on Homeland Security on China’s strategic port investments in the Western Hemisphere 

On February 11, 2025, Atlantic Council Vice President and Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Senior Director Matthew Kroenig testified before the US House Committee on Homeland Security on China’s strategic port investments in the Western Hemisphere, drawing on recommendations from the Atlantic Council Strategy Paper titled A Strategy to Counter Malign Chinese and Russian […]

Civil war, debt, and Ethiopia’s road to recovery

By Abbi Kedir

Strained by ongoing conflict, food insecurity, and economic strife, Ethiopia's path forward hinges on strategic use of foreign assistance and the implementation of robust public policies that uplift its most vulnerable populations.