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UkraineAlert

Aug 11, 2025

Alaska Summit: Trump must press Putin over future Ukrainian security

By John E. Herbst

Trump-Putin Alaska Summit: If Moscow insists on the acceptance of Russian control over Ukrainian land for a ceasefire, it must accept strong measures to bolster Ukrainian security as well, writes John E. Herbst.

Conflict European Union

Fast Thinking

Aug 8, 2025

Trump and Putin just announced a meeting in Alaska. What does that mean for the war in Ukraine? 

By Atlantic Council

As attention turns to the tête-à-tête in the last frontier, we turn to our experts for their insights on what to expect.

Conflict Russia

MENASource

Aug 8, 2025

Sweida’s humanitarian crisis presents a test for Syria’s transitional government and its global partners

By Diana Rayes 

Sweida is not an isolated tragedy—it is a litmus test for Syria's fragile political transition and for the international community’s resolve to respond to the unfolding humanitarian crisis.

Conflict Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Aug 8, 2025

Israel’s gamble in Gaza City signals a push toward negotiation—but risks a long insurgency

By Alex Plitsas

Israel’s decision to occupy Gaza City is aimed at ending its war with Hamas. But without careful planning, it risks starting a new conflict against a brewing insurgency.

Conflict Defense Policy

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Aug 8, 2025

Auerswald in Stanford University Press on legislators, armed forces, and democratic accountability

By David Auerswald

In September, Transatlantic Security Initiative nonresident senior fellow Dr. David Auerswald’s co-authored book, Overseen or Overlooked? Legislators, Armed Forces, and Democratic Accountability was published by Stanford University Press. This book aims to understand the similarities and differences among the world’s democracies regarding the role of legislatures in democratic civil-military relations.

Europe & Eurasia National Security

MENASource

Aug 7, 2025

Why Gaza’s post-Hamas future depends on its Arab neighbors—not just Israel

By Maayan Dagan

The international community is likely to support—both ideologically and financially—a local or Arab-led post-war solution for Gaza.

Conflict Middle East

UkraineAlert

Aug 7, 2025

Ukraine’s expanding robot army can help address manpower shortages

By David Kirichenko

Robotic systems are in many ways an ideal battlefield solution for Ukraine as the country seeks ways to leverage its proven tech prowess in order to defend itself in a grueling war of attrition against a far larger enemy, writes David Kirichenko.

Conflict Defense Industry

New Atlanticist

Aug 7, 2025

Five charts that show how criminal organizations in Colombia work—and grow

By Aaron Kolleda and Isabel Chiriboga

Our experts break down the numbers that show the reach, power, and influence of drug cartels and other transnational criminal organizations.

Americas Colombia

In the News

Aug 7, 2025

Ackerman publishes article, “How Being an Intelligence Officer Made Me a Better Writer” on The Free Press

By Atlantic Council

On August 4, Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Elliot Ackerman published an article entitled, "How Being an Intelligence Officer Made Me a Better Writer," with The Free Press.

Intelligence National Security

New Atlanticist

Aug 6, 2025

Dispatch from the Russian border: The Curonian Spit and the contest of the Baltic Sea

By Justina Budginaite-Froehly

A recent visit to Lithuania’s border with Kaliningrad reveals how the Baltic Sea has become one of Europe’s most contested maritime zones.

Eastern Europe NATO

Experts

Events