Scowcroft Center Commentary, Analysis, & Reports

Taking the War on the Islamic State Online

By Alexa Lipke

The media frenzy surrounding the rise of the Islamic State (IS) focuses heavily on the United States’ military strategy. But since IS’ influence transcends the battlefields of Iraq and Syria, it is equally important that the United States develop a coherent strategy to counter the group’s social media reach. The twenty-four-hour news cycle and the […]

Perspective on the Iran-P5+1 Nuclear Agreement

By Owen Daniels

After twenty months of negotiations, US, European, and Iranian leaders announced early Tuesday morning that a deal had been reached to secure the peaceful future of Iran’s nuclear program.

Defending the Iran Nuclear Deal

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Iran bound ‘in perpetuity’ not to build a nuclear bomb, says Obama administration official Iran is not permitted to build a nuclear weapon after the duration of the agreement reached in Vienna this week, nor does the deal give the Islamic Republic a “signing bonus” in terms of immediate sanctions relief, a senior Obama administration […]

The Iran nuclear deal is not in the US national interest

By Matthew Kroenig

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed July 14 between Iran and the P5+1 puts verifiable limits on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Assuming Tehran abides by the terms of the accord, Iran will not be able to build nuclear weapons for the lifetime of the deal, but the agreement presents […]

The Naval Alliance: Preparing NATO for a maritime century

By Magnus Nordenman

For more than a decade, NATO has been engaged in expeditionary ground-centric operations that have shaped the strategic thinking, capabilities, and planning of the Alliance and its members. But moving forward, NATO must also consider its role in the global maritime domain as it relates to transatlantic security and interests, as well as NATO operations. […]

Three Main Takeaways from Gen Dunford’s Nomination Hearing

Gen Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., the Commandant of the Marine Corps, testified in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee on July 9 to be the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He looks likely to be confirmed, and analysis already exists about what kind of job he will do if he assumes […]