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

In the News

Jan 24, 2021

Gen. Cartwright quoted in New York Times on great-power competition in space

By Atlantic Council

On January 24, Atlantic Council Board Director and former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen James E. Cartwright, USMC (Ret.) was quoted in a New York Times article titled "How space became the next 'great power' contest between the US and China." The article concludes that President Biden must view the Chinese anti-satellite threat in space as one of the most pressing national security issues of his administration.

China Russia

In the News

Jan 5, 2021

Mulder featured in Air University on “Spacefarers: How Humans Will Settle the Moon, Mars, and Beyond”

By Atlantic Council

On January 5, Forward Defense senior military fellow Lt Col Christopher Mulder’s book review on Christopher Wanjek’s “Spacefarers: How Humans Will Settle the Moon, Mars, and Beyond” was published in Air University’s Strategic Studies Quarterly.

Space Space Security

In the News

Nov 20, 2020

Starling quoted in Space News on expected Biden space policies

By Atlantic Council

On November 20, Forward Defense Deputy Director Clementine Starling was quoted in a Space News article titled “Biden likely to stay course on Space Force and defense investments.”

Defense Industry Defense Policy

GeoTech Cues

Nov 9, 2020

A presidential agenda for the GeoTech Decade that uplifts people, prosperity, and peace

By David Bray

For both the good of the United States and the world, it will be his duty to ensure the United States emerges from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the deep economic recession, and its polarized society, renewed, revitalized, and rebuilt. Leveraging new technologies will be an integral part of that mission.

Internet Internet of Things

In the News

Nov 2, 2020

Hasik cited in the Space Review

By Atlantic Council

On November 2, an article in the Space Review titled "The Green New Deal for space" cited Forward Defense Nonresident Senior Fellow James Hasik's report on “The Precision Revolution: GPS and the Future of Aerial Warfare." The article outlines how space is an essential element of the Green New Deal, specifically referencing GPS capabilities in this domain.

Defense Technologies Economy & Business

Event Recap

Oct 9, 2020

Topic overview | Space: The next frontier for innovation, economics, accessibility, and infrastructure

By Borja Prado

Space is quickly becoming the new frontier to be explored by national governments and private sector actors. In the process, the different parties prepare themselves for an environment that will bring to space the competition and collaboration behaviors that are typical on Earth, that will require new or updated regulations and international norms, and that will unleash new opportunities for multiple industries and technologies – spanning from transportation and satellite communication to data sharing, artificial intelligence or national security.

International Norms Space

Elections 2020

Oct 6, 2020

Five big questions as America votes: The geopolitical impacts of technology

By GeoTech Center

Rapid developments in technology impact social, political, and economic issues both locally and globally. As the US presidential election nears, it is critical for Americans to consider the ways technology can both provide solutions and create challenges in the future.

Elections Internet

Event Recap

Sep 30, 2020

Event recap | Space economics: Building sustainable space infrastructure

By GeoTech Center

On Wednesday, September 30, 2020, the Atlantic Council's GeoTech Center hosted an expert panel to discuss the policy implications of the rapid commercialization of space exploration.

International Markets Space

Event Recap

Aug 19, 2020

Event recap | A fireside chat about the future of space

By Henry Westerman

On Wednesday, July 29, the Atlantic Council's GeoTech Center hosted Ms. Teresa Carlson, Vice President at AWS's Worldwide Public Sector, and United States Representative Will Hurd of the 23rd District of Texas.

Economy & Business Entrepreneurship

Event Recap

Jul 10, 2020

Event recap | Space salon: Making space available for everyone

By Henry Westerman

On Wednesday, July 8, 2020, the GeoTech Center and Amazon Web Services (AWS) jointly hosted a public live event, "Space Salon: Making Space Available for Everyone." In a panel discussion co-moderated by Dr. David Bray, Director of the Geotech Center, and Shayn Hawthorne, Senior Manager at AWS, specialists from across the space industry discussed approaches to making tools and data in space accessible to players of all sizes.

Economy & Business Space

Experts