In-depth research & reports

Our pillars

Defense and deterrence in Europe

Developing policy recommendations for deterring and defending against Russian aggression aimed at allies and partners in the European theater.

Emerging challenges to transatlantic security

Creating strategies to harness emerging and disruptive technologies to maintain NATO’s competitive advantage and cohering a transatlantic approach to hybrid threats from Russia and China.

China and transatlantic security

Identifying areas of divergence and convergence between the United States and Europe with respect to China and proposing ideas to collectively counter China’s malign activities.

NATO and the new south

Analyzing the security impacts of great power competition in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions and developing strategies to improve stabilization missions beyond Europe’s borders.

Arctic security

Assessing the unique geopolitical and defense challenges of the High North to bridge perspectives between European and North American allies and partners on Arctic security issues.

NATO in America

Identifying bold policy ideas that demonstrate the enduring value of NATO to US interests in order to engage a new community of American champions for the Alliance.

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Expert commentary & analysis

NATO Washington Summit

During this historic year for the Alliance, the Atlantic Council led the charge in shaping the agenda for the Washington Summit, informing the transatlantic community, and demonstrating NATO’s enduring value.

Take a look at our footprint from Washington as we begin to gear up for NATO Summit 2025 in The Hague, Netherlands

NATO 20/2020 content series

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Experts

Content

Report

Dec 10, 2024

Europe and the United States need to revolutionize their defense industrial bases—and how they cooperate

By Rob Murray

With powerful state and nonstate actors challenging the post-World War II international order, innovation in the tech sector happening at breakneck speed, and climate change threats, NATO allies must rethink traditional defense cooperation to stay relevant.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

New Atlanticist

Dec 6, 2024

Romania annulled its presidential election results amid alleged Russian interference. What happens next?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts answer six burning questions on the Romanian Constitutional Court’s decision to annul first-round presidential election results after allegations of Russian interference.

Central Europe Disinformation

Report

Dec 6, 2024

The threats posed by the global shadow fleet—and how to stop it

By Elisabeth Braw

Since 2022 the number of aging ships whose ownership, insurance status, and safety is unknown has exploded, prompted by Russia's reliance on this "dark fleet" to ship its oil in defiance of Western sanctions. What can be done about this environmental, economic, and safety threat on the high seas?

China Europe & Eurasia

Issue Brief

Dec 2, 2024

Why NATO’s reaction force needs to be rapid to be relevant

By Richard D. Hooker, Jr.

If Russia were to attempt to overrun a Baltic nation, does NATO have the forces ready to react immediately? An air-transportable force NATO fielded a generation ago provides a good model for this generation's crises.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

New Atlanticist

Nov 21, 2024

As Russia’s war effort heads toward a breaking point, Europe must remain steadfast

By Beniamino Irdi and Gabriele Carrer

If Western resolve holds over the next twelve to eighteen months, then the conflict’s outcome could defy the Kremlin's expectations.

Conflict European Union

New Atlanticist

Nov 21, 2024

How Europe can save NATO

By Hans Binnendijk, Timo S. Koster

By the June 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague, European allies must make real progress in taking on more of the defense burden on the continent.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

New Atlanticist

Nov 21, 2024

Suspected sabotage by a Chinese vessel in the Baltic Sea speaks to a wider threat

By Elisabeth Braw

Undersea cables and pipelines are acutely vulnerable to geopolitically motivated harm, as events of the last week have demonstrated.

China Conflict

In the News

Nov 14, 2024

Braw quoted in a European Parliamentary Research Service report on Russia’s shadow fleet

By Elisabeth Braw

On November 14, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Elisabeth Braw was quoted in a report published by the European Parliamentary Research Service on Russia’s shadow fleet.

Europe & Eurasia Maritime Security

In the News

Nov 14, 2024

Elisabeth Braw featured in BBC Radio on the incoming Trump administration

By Elisabeth Braw

On November 14, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Elisabeth Braw featured in The Briefing Room on BBC Radio discussing the incoming Trump administration.

NATO Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Nov 7, 2024

Brzezinski in TVP World on Trump’s foreign policy

By Ian Brzezinski

On November 7, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Ian Brzezinski was interviewed in TVP World discussing Trump’s foreign policy and potential scenarios for Ukraine and NATO.

Europe & Eurasia NATO