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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

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Content

In the News

Mar 10, 2025

Braw in Politico on resiliency in democratic societies

By Elisabeth Braw

On March 10, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Elisabeth Braw was published by Politico in an article detailing malign sabotage of critical infrastructure and social institutions in the EU, arguing we must keep a closer eye on the real perpetrators.

New Atlanticist

Mar 6, 2025

How European leaders are responding to Trump’s approach to Ukraine and Europe

By Atlantic Council experts

From London and Berlin to Paris and Brussels, European leaders have taken several notable steps this week on security. This follows the blow-up between the Ukrainian and US presidents on February 28.

Europe & Eurasia European Union

Article

Mar 4, 2025

Braw published in Foreign Policy on how Trump is killing American defense industry

By Elisabeth Braw

On March 4, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Elisabeth Braw was published by Foreign Policy on how abandoning allies and tossing out security guarantees is bad for business in the American defense sector.

New Atlanticist

Feb 28, 2025

Starmer looks for his ‘Falklands moment’ during his first White House visit with Trump

By Philippe Dickinson

The British prime minister’s visit to the White House this week went well, but Europe’s security challenges at this pivotal moment require success on several other fronts as well.

Europe & Eurasia Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Feb 24, 2025

Revitalizing the US defense industry is best done with European allies

By James Hursch, Kristen Taylor

By combining their efforts and sharing risks, the United States and Europe can establish the defense industrial bases needed to confront today’s growing global threats.

Defense Industry Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Feb 22, 2025

Irdi quoted in Bloomberg on Italy’s relationship with the US

By Beniamino Irdi

On February 22, Transatlantic Security Initiative nonresident senior fellow Beniamino Irdi was quoted in Bloomberg discussing US-Italian relations against the backdrop of evolving political dynamics on both sides of the Atlantic.

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Feb 21, 2025

Irdi quoted in Financial Times about the US-Italy Relationship

By Beniamino Irdi

On February 21, Transatlantic Security Initiative nonresident senior fellow Beniamino Irdi was quoted in the Financial Times on developments in the United States Italy bilateral relationship in the rapidly developing political environment.

Issue Brief

Feb 20, 2025

Issue brief: A NATO strategy for countering Russia

By Ian Brzezinski, Ryan Arick

Russia poses the most direct and growing threat to NATO member states' security. This threat now includes the war in Ukraine, militarization in the Arctic, hybrid warfare, and arms control violations. Despite NATO's military and economic superiority, a unified and effective strategy is essential to counter Russia's aggression.

Cybersecurity Defense Technologies

In the News

Feb 19, 2025

Irdi in Formiche discussing transatlantic relations and hybrid warfare

By Beniamino Irdi

On February 19, Transatlantic Security Initiative nonresident senior fellow Beniamino Irdi was featured Formiche discussing Europe’s military buildup and hybrid warfare in the complex transatlantic geopolitical environment.

In the News

Feb 9, 2025

Braw quoted in interview with L’Express on developments in the Northern Atlantic

By Elisabeth Braw

According to Swedish expert Elisabeth Braw, a specialist in the links between geopolitics and the global economy, the Danes have at least two ways of cooling the ambitions of the American president.