Content

UkraineAlert

Feb 13, 2020

Putin forever: Ukraine faces the prospect of endless imperial aggression

By Taras Kuzio

Vladimir Putin's plans to change the Russian Constitution offer a strong indication that he intends to remain in charge of the country for the rest of his life. For Ukraine, this means coming to terms with the reality of endless imperial aggression.

Conflict
Russia

In the News

Feb 13, 2020

Wieslander quoted in US News on Trump’s cuts to the European Deterrence Initiative

By Atlantic Council

Europe & Eurasia
Politics & Diplomacy

UkraineAlert

Feb 13, 2020

World must not forget Putin’s Crimean crime

By Suleiman Mamut

When Vladimir Putin seized Crimea six years ago, he challenged the basic principles of international law. This should make Crimea a vital issue on the international agenda - but the occupied peninsula has long since disappeared from the headlines.

Conflict
Non-Traditional Threats

New Atlanticist

Feb 12, 2020

After the 2020 Taiwan election: Strengthening defense and security cooperation

By Chang-Ching Tu

Seemingly good results at the polls do not negate the domestic and international issues that President Tsai and the DPP will have to face over the next four years, including internal battles over Taiwanese national identity, cooperation with the United States, and relations with mainland China.

China
Elections

New Atlanticist

Feb 12, 2020

The Arctic is “not up for grabs,” Norwegian ambassador says

By Connor McPartland

“The Arctic is changing, but our objectives remain the same: to secure peace and stability,” Norwegian Ambassador to the United States Kare R. Aas said on February 6. During keynote address opening the Atlantic Council’s “Looking North: Conference on Security in the Arctic,” Aas laid out Norway’s approach to the Arctic, noting that it takes its role as an Arctic state seriously.

NATO
Northern Europe

New Atlanticist

Feb 11, 2020

Trump’s national security advisor touts new “streamlined” National Security Council

By David A. Wemer

Less than five months on the job, US National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien reported that the National Security Council was in the final stages of a reorganization that would get it “back to a manageable size.” O’Brien, who succeeded John Bolton as the assistant to the president for national security affairs in October, explained that he has led a “right-sizing” of the National Security Council which will bring its total number of staffers from 175 to 110 by the end of the month.

China
Economy & Business
2009 Iranian Protests

Report

Feb 11, 2020

Iranian digital influence efforts: Guerrilla broadcasting for the twenty-first century

By Emerson T. Brooking, Suzanne Kianpour

This brief begins with a discussion of the modern Iranian state’s approach to information and information control. It proceeds to a history of the Iranian Internet. Next, it examines the evolution of Iranian digital influence operations, followed by a discussion of the broader information conflict in which they take place. The brief concludes by considering the future nature and intent of Iran’s clandestine digital activities.

Conflict
Disinformation
3D Printing

New Atlanticist

Feb 7, 2020

In an era of great-power competition, procurement reform not more regulation for the defense industrial base

By Tate Nurkin

What strategic gains can DoD realize from being a better customer? Given the reluctance of the US commercial sector to engage in defense work and the speedy innovation of our rivals, reform is needed.

Defense Industry
Defense Policy

In the News

Feb 7, 2020

Handler in Lawfare: Election Security After Iowa

By Atlantic Council

The Iowa caucus debacle showcased how unhinged conspiracies can inflict damage on democratic institutions that’s just as severe as more direct electoral manipulation—along with the risk posed by overblown electoral outrage. To the extent that Iowa was a dry run for more pernicious election security issues that might arise in the general election, just about everyone failed the test.

Cybersecurity
Disinformation

In the News

Feb 7, 2020

Ahmad in The Hill: What does Soleimani’s death mean for Afghanistan?

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan
Democratic Transitions

Experts

Events