Security & Defense

Security & Defense

One of the most fundamental responsibilities of governments is to protect their citizens from all threats, internal or foreign. Policy makers must prepare for potential conventional warfare, terrorism and other asymmetrical attacks, and the repercussions of natural disasters and climate change to ensure the safety of their citizens. The motivation to protect against future threats must also be partnered with regular dialogue and partnership with allies and neighbors to prevent the triggering of violent conflict or destabilizing arms races.

Explore
Is Zelenskyy preparing for a thaw in Russia-Ukraine ties?

MENASource Aug 25, 2024

After a failed attack, Hezbollah’s propaganda seeks to prevent a wider war with Israel

By David Daoud

Committed as Hezbollah is to saving its Gaza-based allies, the group does not currently want a full war with Israel.
Conflict Israel
Is Zelenskyy preparing for a thaw in Russia-Ukraine ties?

New Atlanticist Aug 21, 2024

How quickly can Taiwan integrate US weapon systems? Speed is essential to help deter China.

By Adam Kozloski

To better prepare Taiwan to defend itself, the United States needs more transparency into Taipei’s weapons integration challenges.
Conflict Defense Policy
Is Zelenskyy preparing for a thaw in Russia-Ukraine ties?

UkraineAlert Aug 21, 2024

Invasion? What invasion? Putin is downplaying Ukraine’s Kursk offensive

By Peter Dickinson

Vladimir Putin’s efforts to downplay Ukraine’s invasion of Russia have severely dented his strongman image and make a mockery of the West’s escalation fears, writes Peter Dickinson.
Conflict Defense Policy

Programs

The Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security works to develop sustainable, nonpartisan strategies to address the most important security challenges facing the United States and the world.

Learn more

Content

UkraineAlert

Feb 26, 2020

Is Zelenskyy preparing for a thaw in Russia-Ukraine ties?

By Diane Francis

The appointment of Andriy Yermak as President Zelenskyy's new chief of staff has sparked debate over Yermak's ties to Moscow and links to pro-Russian Ukrainian politicians. Is Zelenskyy preparing for a thaw in ties with the Kremlin?

Conflict Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

New Atlanticist

Feb 26, 2020

The fox in the henhouse: How bureaucratic processes handicap US military supremacy and what to do about it

By Stephen Rodriguez

Washington’s once unrivaled military strength is now increasingly challenged by that of its adversaries. To stay ahead, the United States must restructure its relationship with commercial companies by reducing regulation that hinders innovation, speed, and the ability for private industry to access government contracts.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

In the News

Feb 25, 2020

Rodriguez quoted in Defense One on China-US competition over technological innovation

By Atlantic Council

Defense Technologies Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Feb 24, 2020

Manning in The National Interest: Learning to live with a nuclear North Korea

An era is ending, though many are in denial and floundering over the next steps. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un appears to have chosen a path that will end meaningful denuclearization diplomacy with the United States for the foreseeable future and usher in a new chapter in the North Korea saga: living with a nuclear North […]

Korea Security & Defense

In the News

Feb 24, 2020

Frandrup quoted in the National on naval operations in the Gulf area

By Atlantic Council

Maritime Security Security & Defense

In the News

Feb 24, 2020

Rodriguez writes War on the Rocks article on US military investment ecosystem

By Atlantic Council

Senior Advisor Stephen Rodriguez argues that the United States must do more to foster innovation in critical defense technologies.

China Defense Industry

In the News

Feb 24, 2020

Bello quoted in Le Point Afrique on the G5 Sahel Summit in Nouakchott

By Atlantic Council

Africa Conflict

UkraineAlert

Feb 24, 2020

Why Azov should not be designated a foreign terrorist organization

By Anton Shekhovtsov

The authors of a recent New York Times op-ed produce no clear proof of ongoing links between American right-wing terrorists and a unit within Ukraine’s Interior Ministry.

Civil Society Conflict

In the News

Feb 21, 2020

Cunningham joins NPR to discuss the Afghan Peace Process and recent 7-day ceasefire

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Conflict

New Atlanticist

Feb 21, 2020

Putting privacy limits on national security mass surveillance: The European Court of Justice intervenes

By Kenneth Propp

In a little-noticed set of opinions issued on January 15, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) put forward a bold and unprecedented proposition—mass surveillance conducted by European Union (EU) member state national security services should operate within the bounds of the Union’s privacy laws.

Digital Policy European Union
Load More

Experts

Fellow

Phyllis Berry

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Europe & Eurasia France

Staff

Charlotte Bertrand

Project Assistant

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Defense Industry

Fellow

Hans Binnendijk

Distinguished Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Sara Bjerg Moller

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Danish Europe & Eurasia

Millennium fellow

Dan Black

Principal Threat Analyst, NATO

Millennium Leadership Program

Cybersecurity Intelligence

Fellow

Nicholas Blanford

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict
Load More

Events

Public Event Tue, April 28, 2026 • 10:15 am ET

Belgium’s defense minister on the future of transatlantic security relations
Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia NATO Politics & Diplomacy
Public Event Wed, May 13, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

The 2026 Iraq Dialogue
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy