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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Content

Op-Ed

Oct 3, 2024

Ignac in RealClearDefense on the new EU Defense Commissioner

On September 23, Transatlantic Security Initiative assistant director Luka Ignac published an article in RealClearDefense on the appointment of the first EU Defense Commissioner and the need for alignment of the EU defense ambitions with NATO.

Defense Industry European Union

New Atlanticist

Sep 19, 2024

How the European Commission’s new portfolio is building security policy from the ground up

By Inga Samoškaitė

The appointment of a commissioner for defense signals the bloc’s intention to become a major strategic actor on security policy.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Report

Sep 19, 2024

NATO-Russia dynamics: Prospects for reconstitution of Russian military power

By Andrew A. Michta, Joslyn Brodfuehrer

How will Russia reconstitute its land forces in response to the war in Ukraine and the changes in NATO's force model? The NATO allies closest to Russia can provide valuable insight.

Central Europe Eastern Europe

In the News

Sep 3, 2024

Irdi featured in News18 on India’s aspirations to become a global power

By Beniamino Irdi

On September 3, Transatlantic Security Initiative nonresident senior fellow Beniamino Irdi was featured in News18 discussing India’s attempts to achieve truly global influence.

India Indo-Pacific

In the News

Aug 27, 2024

Beniamino Irdi featured in Formiche on the Rai case and Italy’s stance towards Russia

By Beniamino Irdi

On August 27, Transatlantic Security Initiative nonresident senior fellow Beniamino Irdi wrote an article in Formiche discussing how Rai’s decision to recall journalists back to Italy illustrates the stance Italian organizations have taken towards maintaining relations with Russia.

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Aug 23, 2024

To understand NATO’s future, take stock of its centuries-long history

By Ira Straus

The bonds on which the Alliance was founded stretch back much further than 1949, and they keep the transatlantic relationship strong today.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

New Atlanticist

Aug 22, 2024

Thirty-five years later, the Baltic Way still inspires the fight for freedom

By Inga Samoškaitė

Two million people from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia joined hands on August 23, 1989. Their stand for freedom and against Soviet repression is echoed in Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression today.

Democratic Transitions Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Aug 19, 2024

NATO wants to be a leader on climate security. Here are the next steps to get there.

By Heidi Hardt and Jacqueline Burns

To adapt to the impacts of climate change on global security, NATO must improve how it incorporates climate security into its training and operational planning.

Climate Change & Climate Action Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Aug 13, 2024

NATO must recognize the potential of open-source intelligence

By AM Sir Christopher Harper, KBE, RAF (Ret.), Robert Bassett Cross MC

By taking steps to use OSINT more effectively, NATO can preempt, deter, and defeat its adversaries’ efforts to expand their influence and undermine the security of member states.

Artificial Intelligence Disinformation
SM-3 is launched from guided missile cruiser USS Shiloh during ballistic missile flight test in Pacific Ocean

Report

Aug 9, 2024

What attacks on shipping mean for the global maritime order

By Elisabeth Braw

This report discusses the history of attacks on shipping, the rules implemented to keep shipping safe, and the new and serious threats posed by the Houthis and other actors. It also discusses steps Western governments and the shipping industry can take to reduce the harm posed by such attacks.

Europe & Eurasia Maritime Security