Content

UkraineAlert

Oct 4, 2025

Putin’s Moldova election failure highlights Russia’s declining influence

By Kateryna Odarchenko

Russia's failed bid to sway recent elections in Moldova underscores the challenges Putin faces as he seeks to reassert Russian dominance over countries once ruled from the Kremlin at a time when Moscow’s ability to project power is increasingly in question, writes Kateryna Odarchenko.

Conflict Corruption

Fast Thinking

Oct 3, 2025

Hamas just agreed to release all remaining hostages. What does that mean for the Trump peace plan?

By Atlantic Council

On Friday, Hamas agreed to release all of the remaining hostages that the militant group captured during its October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel. Our experts share their perspectives on what this means for a potential cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Oct 3, 2025

What Kissinger would do about Putin and Ukraine

By Robert Hormats

Supporting a free and democratic Ukraine and ending the war there are decidedly in US interests, the late US secretary of state would have emphasized.

Conflict Politics & Diplomacy

UkraineAlert

Oct 2, 2025

Drone superpower Ukraine is teaching NATO how to defend against Russia

By David Kirichenko

Ukraine's unrivaled experience of drone warfare makes it a key partner for NATO and an indispensable ally in the defense of Europe as the continent faces up to the mounting threat posed by an expansionist Russia, writes David Kirichenko.

Conflict Defense Technologies

MENASource

Oct 2, 2025

Why Israel’s push for West Bank annexation is going mainstream—and what it means for the Abraham Accords

By Itai Melchior

In the past, West Bank annexation was only endorsed by smaller right-wing parties. But today—the demands are far more mainstream in Israel.

International Norms Israel

In the News

Oct 2, 2025

Ackerman discusses service member culture in The Free Press

By Atlantic Council

On September 30, Forward Defense non-resident senior fellow Elliot Ackerman authored an article in The Free Press entitled "Pete Hegseth Wants a ‘Warrior Culture.’ Does He Know What That Means?," in which he discusses Secretary Hegseth's changes to service member culture.

Defense Policy National Security

UkraineAlert

Sep 30, 2025

Putin’s dream of demilitarizing Ukraine has turned into his worst nightmare

By Peter Dickinson

Putin had hoped to demilitarize and decapitate the Ukrainian state, but his self-defeating invasion has inadvertently created the militarily powerful and fiercely independent Ukraine he feared most of all, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Defense Technologies

UkraineAlert

Sep 30, 2025

Belarus dictator must not be rewarded for releasing his own prisoners

By Hanna Liubakova

Belarusian dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka is attempting to repair relations with the West by trading political prisoners for concessions. If this hostage diplomacy proves successful, it will strengthen Lukashenka’s grip on power, writes Hanna Liubakova.

Belarus Conflict

Issue Brief

Sep 30, 2025

As Europe’s neutral states shift closer to NATO, Ireland approaches a turning point for its security

By Maeve Drury and Jason C. Moyer

Ireland spends the least of any EU country on defense. Taoiseach Micheál Martin wants to change that. With military neutrality deeply rooted in the country's history of violent civil conflict, what will re-armament take?

Europe & Eurasia Maritime Security

New Atlanticist

Sep 30, 2025

How a UN Security Council resolution could help end the war in Gaza

By Thomas S. Warrick

Drawing inspiration from an earlier example, the council should pass a one-time-only resolution authorizing an international transitional governing authority and security force.

Conflict Israel

Experts

Events