Scowcroft Center Commentary, Analysis, & Reports

Polls: Dealing with Russia, Predicting Mumbai Fallout

By James Joyner

Our previous poll, “How should the U.S. and Europe address concerns over Russia?” drew surprisingly similar responses on both sides of the Atlantic, with solid majorities in both the U.S. and abroad preferring offering more integration in exchange for cooperation and only a third preferring a significantly harder line.

Mumbai Attacks Must Bring India and Pakistan Closer

By Derek Reveron

As mourning of the Mumbai attack continues, one thing is certain—intelligence cooperation between India and the rest of the world must increase. This is not only due to the transnational nature of terrorism, but also because states increasingly rely on international cooperation to combat terrorism.

Obama’s All-Stars

By James Joyner

Barack Obama’s cabinet choices have been met by gushing reviews.   While many of his choices have come under fire from both the left and the right on ideological grounds, the consensus seems to be that these are among the brightest, most capable people around.

Asia’s Ascendency Seen in Intelligence Forecast

By Joseph Snyder

The National Intelligence Council’s “Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World,” released on November 20, poses a fascinating variety of alternate futures. 

Barack Obama: Al Qaeda’s Ideological Challenge

By Jeffrey Lightfoot

Chief Al Qaeda ideologue Ayman al-Zawahiri gave a good indicator of the current status of his organization’s ideological appeal when Al Qaeda released a video last week.

Terrorism Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?

By James Joyner

Speaking to the Atlantic Council last Thursday, CIA director Michael Hayden declared that, “although Al-Qaeda has suffered serious setbacks, it remains a determined and adaptive enemy” and vowed that, while the American people have grown naturally complacent about the threat, he and his colleagues remain vigilant every day, motivated by the fact that the country […]

NIC Chairman Thomas Fingar Presents “Global Trends 2025”

By Peter Cassata

Dr. Thomas Fingar, the Chairman of the National Intelligence Council (NIC), discussed the new report “Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World.”  The report analyzes the global situation 15 to 20 years in the future, touching on international security, political and social trends, globalization, and other transnational issues. 

Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World

The international system—as constructed following the Second World War—will be almost unrecognizable by 2025 owing to the rise of emerging powers, a globalizing economy, an historic transfer of relative wealth and economic power from West to East, and the growing influence of nonstate actors.

Is it Too Late for Afghanistan?

By James Joyner

During his address this evening to the Atlantic Council, ISAF commander General David McKiernan emphasized the many positive trends in Afghanistan, noting that he preferred a “Glass Half Full” view.