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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

Feb 17, 2022

Grieco in Space News Business: Why space alarmism is wrong and dangerous

By Atlantic Council

On February 17, Kelly Grieco was published in Space News Business with an article on why space alarmism is wrong and dangerous. Grieco explains that the United States has near-superiority in space technology, and that reports comparing adversaries’ space capabilities are often exaggerated or overblown. She argues that US space policy should embrace cooperation with other space-faring […]

China Defense Technologies

In the News

Jan 29, 2022

Chilton in DefenseNews on building up the US Space Force

By Atlantic Council

Forward Defense distinguished fellow Gen Kevin Chilton, USAF (Ret.) writes in DefenseNews on the Space Force.

China National Security

Engagement Reframed

Jan 26, 2022

Engagement Reframed: Introduction

By Robert A. Manning, Christopher Preble

The Biden administration has been slow to distribute surplus COVID-19 vaccine doses to countries in need or to facilitate foreign manufacturing of vaccines, squandering a diplomatic opportunity and potentially endangering US security.

Africa Caribbean

In the News

Jan 19, 2022

Grieco in The Diplomat: The China-US Space Race is a Myth

By Atlantic Council

On January 19, Kelly Grieco published an opinion piece in The Diplomat analyzing the supposed space race between the United States and China. She laid out the case that there is not actually an ongoing space race and that the United States has demonstrated it is far more advanced in space technology, with fears about China overtaking […]

China Defense Technologies

In the News

Jan 3, 2022

Morris in Dallas Morning News: Space junk threatens US assets in low-earth orbit

By Atlantic Council

On January 3, the Dallas Morning News published a piece by Scowcroft Center senior advisor Nate Morris arguing that a Russian anti-satellite missile test highlights a growing threat to US space superiority. Moreover, the article warns that space waste poses a severe threat to US assets in low-earth orbit.

Russia Security & Defense

In the News

Dec 10, 2021

Chilton moderates panel on space warfighting at Mitchell Institute

By Atlantic Council

Forward Defense distinguished fellow Kevin Chilton moderates panel on space warfighting at the Mitchell Institute

Space Space Security

In the News

Oct 21, 2021

Sadat in Politico on the attempt to create a Space National Guard

By Atlantic Council

Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Mir Sadat comments on the proposal for a Space National Guard in Politico.

Defense Policy Space

Op-Ed

Oct 1, 2021

Mulder, Starling, and Massa on the future of space strategy

By Atlantic Council

2020-21 Senior US Air Force Fellow Lt Col Christopher Mulder, Forward Defense Deputy Director Clementine Startling, and Assistant Director Mark J. Massa argue for the United States to develop a long-term strategy in space and highlight key recommendations from their space strategy paper.

Defense Policy Space

In the News

Jul 27, 2021

GeoTech commissioner Vint Cerf and others release the report, “Strategy toward a solar system internet for humanity”

By the GeoTech Center

As part of the InterPlanetary Networking Special Interest Group (IPNSIG), GeoTech Commissioner Vint Cerf was one of the five authors that released a report that discussed the technical, operational and political challenges toward the development of a Solar System Internet (SSI).

Internet Space

In the News

Jul 23, 2021

Kroenig and Ashford consider the future of war in outer space and cyber space

By Atlantic Council

On July 23, Foreign Policy published a biweekly column featuring Scowcroft Center deputy director Matthew Kroenig and New American Engagement Initiative senior fellow Emma Ashford discussing the latest news in international affairs. In this column, they discuss the future commercialization and militarization of space, calling for cooperation and international standards to help guide future space exploration and […]

Arms Control China

Experts

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