Recent analysis

Programs

The Atlantic Council Technology Programs comprises five existing efforts—the Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab), the GeoTech Center, the Cyber Statecraft Initiative, the Democracy + Tech Initiative, and the Capacity Building Initiative. These operations work together to address the geopolitical implications of technology and provide policymakers and global stakeholders necessary research, insights, and convenings to address challenges around global technology and ensure its responsible advancement.

Forward Defense leads the Atlantic Council’s US and global defense programming, developing actionable recommendations for the United States and its allies and partners to compete, innovate, and navigate the rapidly evolving character of warfare. Through its work on US defense policy and force design, the military applications of advanced technology, space security, strategic deterrence, and defense industrial revitalization, it informs the strategies, policies, and capabilities that the United States will need to deter, and, if necessary, prevail in major-power conflict.

Content

TURKEYSource

Oct 23, 2025

Why institutionalizing space diplomacy should be a pillar of Turkey’s grand strategy

By Elif Yüksel

With its growing visibility in the global space community, Turkey needs to adopt a diplomatic strategy to match its ambitions.

Europe & Eurasia
Space

MENASource

Oct 7, 2025

The SpaceBelt KSA-iRocket deal marks Saudi Arabia’s next leap into space

By Manal Fatima

The SpaceBelt KSA case offers insights for other foreign aerospace and tech firms considering partnerships in the Gulf.

Security & Defense
Space

MENASource

Aug 4, 2025

What could NATO’s commercial space strategy mean for the Gulf?  

By Manal Fatima

The United States is well positioned to help extend NATO’s emerging commercial space ecosystem to the Gulf.

Europe & Eurasia
Space

New Atlanticist

Jul 29, 2025

The US neglects space disaster preparedness at its own peril

By William M. Reicher

From accidents to attacks, a space-based disaster that degrades the operating environment of low Earth orbit would harm the United States.

Security & Defense
Space

New Atlanticist

Jul 16, 2025

What’s in NATO’s first-ever commercial space strategy?

By Corey Jacobson

Released at The Hague summit, the Alliance’s new strategy is an important acknowledgement that the private sector is driving innovation in space.

NATO
Space

Report

Jun 20, 2025

A guide to national security space trends in the GCC

By AzurX and Graham Brookie

AzurX provides a comprehensive picture of the innovative strategies, ambitious missions, and inspiring visions propelling GCC nation space programs to new heights.

Space
Space Security

New Atlanticist

May 30, 2025

NASA needs a twenty-first-century approach to space exploration

By Dan Hart, Emily Sespico

The US space program must forge a future in which intelligent machines and humans work together seamlessly and the strengths of each are maximized.

Space
Technology & Innovation

New Atlanticist

May 9, 2025

General John Raymond on how China’s ‘space-enabled military’ threatens US and allied deterrence and warfighting

By Katherine Golden

"We have to have the ability to protect those forces," Raymond said at an Atlantic Council event.

China
Space

New Atlanticist

Mar 25, 2025

Starlink’s India launch is a crash course on New Delhi’s approach to tech sovereignty

By Trisha Ray

A recently announced partnership to deploy the Elon Musk-led company’s satellite internet in India offers a window into New Delhi’s “hybrid” approach.

Economy & Business
India

AfricaSource

Feb 12, 2025

Trump should patch the holes in US-Africa space cooperation

By Temidayo Oniosun

In order to harness the opportunities of the African space sector, the United States must also fill the gaps in its space coordination with Africa.

Africa
Space

Experts