In-depth research & reports

Report

May 25, 2022

Eye to eye in AI: Developing artificial intelligence for national security and defense

By Tate Nurkin, Margarita Konaev

As artificial intelligence transforms national security and defense, it is imperative for the Department of Defense, Congress, and the private sector to closely collaborate in order to advance major AI development priorities. However, key barriers remain. As China and Russia develop their own capabilities, the stakes of the military AI competition are high, and time is short.

Artificial Intelligence China

Issue Brief

May 23, 2022

Toward a framework for transatlantic cooperation on non-state armed groups

By Lauren Mooney and Patrick Quirk

This policy brief examines how transatlantic cooperation regarding NSAGs can be strengthened. It describes the proliferation of NSAGs and the threat they pose to stability in the Sahel specifically. It then explores US-European policies toward engaging NSAGs, highlighting how these frameworks remain underdeveloped on both sides of the Atlantic— pointing to opportunities for greater coordination.

Africa Europe & Eurasia
People sitting around a table

Annual Report

May 10, 2022

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

By Atlantic Council

In 2021, the The Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security’s work reflected its enduring core competencies: strategy and foresight; alliances; and defense.

Several tiny satellites photographed by an Expedition 33 crew member on the International Space Station. The satellites were released outside the Kibo laboratory using a Small Satellite Orbital Deployer attached to the Japanese module’s robotic arm on Oct. 4, 2012. Source: NASA, “Several tiny satellites,” Wikimedia Commons, October 4, 2012, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ISS-33_Several_tiny_satellites_1.jpg.

Report

May 5, 2022

Small satellites: The implications for national security

By Nicholas Eftimiades

Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Nicholas Eftimiades considers how the US government can better leverage commercial satellites to enhance space security.

China Defense Industry

Report

Apr 21, 2022

Climbing the ladder: How the West can manage escalation in Ukraine and beyond

By Richard D. Hooker, Jr.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and NATO’s response increase the possibility of purposeful or inadvertent escalation in Europe. Understanding how these dynamics might impact the war and further degrade transatlantic stability is critical.

Cybersecurity Defense Policy

Issue Brief

Mar 30, 2022

Preparing the next phase of US cyber strategy

By Jenny Jun

This paper considers tensions in the current US cyber strategy for the Defense Department and the broader cyber policy community in the Biden-Harris administration as they form the next phase of the strategy and determine how, when, and under what conditions Defend Forward can best serve as a means to the goal of achieving superiority in cyberspace.

Cybersecurity

Report

Mar 30, 2022

All security is local: Arctic defense policies and domain awareness

By David Auerswald

This report maps Arctic allies’ and partners’ defense strategies and domain awareness capabilities to make recommendations for enhancing Arctic security.

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

Issue Brief

Mar 9, 2022

Defending every inch of NATO territory: Force posture options for strengthening deterrence in Europe

By The Scowcroft Center Task Force on Deterrence and Force Posture

Deterrence in Europe can be enhanced through a range of US and NATO force posture enhancements.

Conflict Defense Policy

Report

Mar 7, 2022

Quel avenir pour le Sahel?

By Richard Cincotta and Stephen Smith

Le Sahel est dans une impasse démographique. S’ils veulent sortir de l’impasse actuelle, les gouvernements sahéliens devront réorienter une partie importante de leurs efforts de développement et moyens financiers vers des politiques et programmes visant à améliorer la condition féminine : en prévenant les mariages et grossesses précoces chez les adolescentes, en promouvant l’éducation des filles et en garantissant la pleine participation des femmes dans tous les secteurs publics et privés, à commencer par les lieux de travail.

Africa Energy & Environment
Finland and NATO

Issue Brief

Mar 4, 2022

Europe’s security architecture, transformed: Why Finland is now on a path to join NATO

By Rasmus Hindrén

Finland is now on a prudent approach to NATO membership that is likely to build on its post-Cold War approach of continuity yet also to adapt to a new European security environment.

Europe & Eurasia NATO