Content

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

Event Recap

Feb 6, 2020

UN Under-Secretary-General speaks to the complexity of countering desertification

By Africa Center

On Thursday, February 6, the Africa Center hosted a roundtable with Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

Africa
Climate Change & Climate Action

Report

Feb 6, 2020

Withdrawal deadlines in war: Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan

By Paul D. Miller

Withdrawal timetables do not achieve the political benefits that policymakers desire, but they do incur the risks policymakers rightly fear.

Afghanistan
Conflict

Issue briefs and reports

Feb 6, 2020

Una nueva frontera para la relación bilateral: Un plan moderno para la relación entre Colombia y Estados Unidos

By the Atlantic Council's US-Colombia Task Force

Transmisión en vivo del lanzamiento del informe en Washington Video: Lanzamiento del grupo de expertos de Colombia y Estados Unidos del Atlantic Council Para compartir en redes sociales Ex presidente y CEO de OPIC David Bohigian hablando sobre la importancia de invertir en las personas Senator de Estados Unidos Ben Cardin hablando sobre la cooperación […]

Civil Society
Colombia

New Atlanticist

Feb 5, 2020

The case for extending New START

By Alexander Vershbow

US and global security would be greatly enhanced by extending New START for another five years. Extension would preserve the last effective and verifiable agreement that limits the strategic arms competition between the United States and Russia and make it easier to maintain deterrence and strategic stability by allowing both sides an assured second-strike capability.

Arms Control
Nuclear Deterrence

In the News

Feb 5, 2020

Herbst dives deep on US-Ukraine relations on NPR’s WorldAffairs

By John E. Herbst

Former ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst joins NPR's WorldAffairs to break down why US-Ukraine relations are vital and the complicated history behind them.

Conflict
National Security

Experts

Events