Arsenals of Democracy is a project by the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security’s Forward Defense program, which aims to address challenges and opportunities at the intersection of defense ministries and industries. By performing research, convening events, and cultivating a network of stakeholders, the project promotes policies and strategies to enhance defense-industrial performance. Arsenals of Democracy Affiliates are the Project’s core constituents, an exclusive community of not more than 24 companies and individuals which finance its activities.

In 2025, the project will focus on three key drivers of change:

  1. The defense-industrial strategy and policies of the new administration
  2. Disruption to the prevailing business model of defense companies
  3. The impact of advanced technology on how ministries and industries deliver weapons

Speaker series

The Arsenals of Democracy project also works to engage its community of interest through three convenings of its featured speaker series.

Corporate Strategy Forum

The centerpin of the Project is its Corporate Strategy Forum, a not-for-attribution roundtable discussion over breakfast which features government officials and business executives in candid discussion about the public policies and corporate strategies which shape the aerospace and defense sector.

Become an Affiliate of the Arsenals of Democracy Project

Companies and individuals may become Affiliates of the Arsenals of Democracy Project for a pledge of financial support which is determined on a sliding scale from $5,000 to $30,000. Affiliates enjoy priority access to the Corporate Strategy Forum and four invitation-only dinners which follow the Project’s public convenings.

Past events

Project Team

Stay connected

Engage with Forward Defense as we put forth a framework for enhancing US and allied forces by embracing emergent digital capabilities.

About the Program

Forward Defense, housed within the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, generates ideas and connects stakeholders in the defense ecosystem to promote an enduring military advantage for the United States, its allies, and partners. Our work identifies the defense strategies, capabilities, and resources the United States needs to deter and, if necessary, prevail in future conflict.