About

The Transatlantic Security Initiative’s mission is to contribute to a strong and resilient transatlantic relationship that is prepared to deter and defend, succeed in strategic competition, and harness emerging capabilities to address future threats and opportunities. This mission endures across changing political dynamics on both sides of the Atlantic and in the face of new and evolving threats.

TSI advances the interests and values of the United States and its transatlantic allies and partners through the Atlantic Council’s convening power, our cutting-edge research and substantive expertise, and through our extensive and influential network across the transatlantic community. We work in partnership with governments, the private sector, think tank community, academia and others. We hold expert public and private convenings, conduct research, organize study trips, and produce publications, commentary and analysis to shape and influence policy and debate on the biggest challenges facing the transatlantic relationship. Intellectual independence is a cornerstone of our work at all times.

Our pillars

NATO programming

Featured projects

Upcoming and Recent Events

Expert commentary & analysis

In-depth research & reports

Stay connected

Our team

Experts

Explore the program

The Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security works to develop sustainable, nonpartisan strategies to address the most important security challenges facing the United States and the world.

Content

In the News

Feb 6, 2025

Braw featured in Deutsche Welle discussing sabotage of cables and pipelines

By Elisabeth Braw

On February 6, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Elisabeth Braw was featured in a television interview on Deutsche Welle discussing cases of cables and pipelines being illegally tampered with, and how the NATO alliance is acting in response to these hybrid threats.

Report

Jan 23, 2025

From Russia’s shadow fleet to China’s maritime claims: The freedom of the seas is under threat

By Elisabeth Braw

This report analyzes the deterioration of the global maritime order, focusing on rule violations in areas including maritime border alteration, harassment of civilian vessels, and disturbance of navigational tools

China
Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Jan 17, 2025

Binnendijk and Vershbow in Foreign Policy on European security in a Trump era

By Hans Binnendijk, Alexander Vershbow

On January 17, Transatlantic Security Initiative distinguished fellows Dr. Hans Binnendijk and Amb. Alexander Vershbow published an op-ed in Foreign Policy mapping out how Europe can help meet the Trump administration’s expectations when it comes to defense funding.  

Europe & Eurasia
Security & Defense

In the News

Jan 13, 2025

Braw in The Political Risk Podcast discussing the end of globalization and new Gray-Zone threats

By Elisabeth Braw

On January 13th, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Elisabeth Braw was on The Political Risk Podcast articulating the threats of Gray-Zone aggression and sabotage operations in a new era of geopolitical competition.

New Atlanticist

Jan 3, 2025

The Atlantic Council’s greatest hits of 2024

By Frederick Kempe

These articles, reports, initiatives, and convenings represent the best of the Atlantic Council’s work in 2024 to shape the global future together with allies and partners.

Economy & Business
Energy & Environment

In the News

Dec 28, 2024

Braw in Trade Winds on How to Counter Violations in the Global Maritime Order

By Elisabeth Braw

On January 3rd, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Elisabeth Braw authored an article in Trade Winds where she discussed rule violations of the global maritime order in the Baltic Sea. Braw also provided recommendations on how to counter actors who seek to upend this order.

NATO
Non-Traditional Threats

In the News

Dec 27, 2024

Braw on NPR outlining NATO’s response to Russian malign activities

By Elisabeth Braw

On December 27th, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Elisabeth Braw spoke in an NPR segment about the implications and logistics of Russia’s malign activity in the Baltic Sea.

Issue Brief

Dec 18, 2024

It’s (still) more expensive to rotate military forces overseas than base them there

By John R. Deni

In his previous term, President Donald Trump ordered the US Army to withdraw one-third of its troops based in Europe. The alternative to soldiers based in Germany or Poland is rotating US-based units through Europe on nine-month deployments—and new Army data confirms this is far costlier and harder on soldier morale than forward stationing.

Central Europe
Defense Policy
A Swedish flag is raised during a flag-raising ceremony at NATO headquarters following the accession of Sweden to the alliance, in Brussels, Belgium March 11, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman

Issue Brief

Dec 13, 2024

How a new global defense bank—the ‘Defense, Security, and Resilience Bank’—can solve US and allied funding problems

By Rob Murray

A perennial problem for NATO is getting member states to meet their financial commitments, which include the pledge to spend at least 2 percent of GDP on defense. A bank specifically focused on funding defense projects could offer a way out of the political impasse—and keep NATO technologically up to speed.

Europe & Eurasia
International Financial Institutions

Report

Dec 10, 2024

Europe and the United States need to revolutionize their defense industrial bases—and how they cooperate

By Rob Murray

With powerful state and nonstate actors challenging the post-World War II international order, innovation in the tech sector happening at breakneck speed, and climate change threats, NATO allies must rethink traditional defense cooperation to stay relevant.

Europe & Eurasia
NATO