Terrorism

The use of indiscriminate violence against civilians and soft targets causes immense human suffering, sows fear within societies, damages public trust in authorities, and can produce extremist responses. Whether motivated by political, religious, economic, or social grievances, the use of terror by state-aligned and non-state actors poses an elevated threat for societies around the world as it can be perpetuated by both sophisticated international networks and single “lone-wolf” assailants. To prevent terrorism and limit its effects, governments need to adopt an array of solutions from dismantling terrorist networks to addressing the root grievances which fuel terrorist ideology.

Content

Reality Check

Aug 4, 2021

Reality Check #9: Ensure US security sector assistance serves US interests and values

By Aude Darnal, Evan Cooper

The United States must review its security sector assistance strategy, which frequently assist security forces that commit abuses against the people they are supposed to be serving, contradicting the United State's espoused mission to promote human rights and democracy.

Africa Conflict

In the News

Aug 2, 2021

NAEI in Inkstick: Adults in a Room

By Atlantic Council

On August 2, Inkstick Media published a new Adults in a Room series article in collaboration with NAEI. The topic of this month’s installment was “the announcement by the Biden administration that it would be ending combat operations in Iraq, in addition to the full withdrawal from Afghanistan, signals a new era for US foreign […]

Afghanistan Iraq

Fast Thinking

Jul 26, 2021

FAST THINKING: Is the Iraq War over… again?

By Atlantic Council

As the US military formally transitions to an advisory role with Iraqi forces, what’s next for the fights against ISIS and Iran-backed militias? Will anything really change? Our Iraq experts weigh in.

Conflict Defense Policy

Fast Thinking

Jul 14, 2021

FAST THINKING: The geopolitics of Iran’s kidnapping plot

By Atlantic Council

How should the United States respond to a kidnapping plot on American soil? And what do the revelations mean for sensitive nuclear negotiations with Tehran? Our Iran experts are on the case.

Human Rights Iran

In the News

Jul 9, 2021

Atlantic Council mentioned in DefenseOne on an interview at the Council with Kevin Baron

Arms Control Conflict

Fast Thinking

Jun 28, 2021

FAST THINKING: What Biden’s airstrikes left behind

By Atlantic Council

What does this mean for the future of drone warfare and the US military presence in Iraq? Our experts sort through the fallout.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Jun 24, 2021

Preble in Responsible Statecraft: Time to bring all U.S. troops home from the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

On June 24, Christopher Preble’s “Demolishing tired assumptions about the US military posture” was featured in Responsible Statecraft’s symposium on withdrawing US troops from the Middle East. “Today, those who believe that ensuring the flow of Middle Eastern oil is a vital U.S. interest are prepared to expend considerable resources — and risk the lives […]

Defense Policy English

Reality Check

Jun 24, 2021

Reality Check #8: Rethinking US military policy in the Greater Middle East

By Robert A. Manning, Christopher Preble

The core assumptions underpinning US policy in the Middle East—ensuring oil flows, maintaining Israel’s security, preventing the rise of a dominant hegemon, and countering terrorism—have been upended by new realities.

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Jun 18, 2021

Sales quoted in the Washington Times on the dangers of terrorist groups potentially controlling new territories in Afghanistan

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Middle East

In the News

Jun 17, 2021

Warrick in DefenseOne: “The Domestic Counterterrorism Strategy Is a Good Start—But Needs More”

By Atlantic Council

Extremism Security & Defense

Experts