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.

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NATO programming

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Expert commentary & analysis

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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

Issue Brief

Jul 21, 2017

The US-UK “special relationship” at a critical crossroads

In this issue brief, Dr. Foerster and Dr. Raymond outline the key elements of this unique relationship and provide their recommendations for strengthening the partnership that helps anchor the liberal international order.

Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense

Issue Brief

Jul 21, 2017

The US-UK “special relationship” at a critical crossroads

By Schuyler Foerster and Ray Raymond

Ever since World War II, the United States and the United Kingdom have enjoyed a truly special relationship grounded in a shared commitment to a world order based on democracy, the rule of law, and free trade, among other commonalities. However, significant changes on both sides of the Atlantic–with Britain’s decision to exit the European […]

Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense

Report

May 30, 2017

Meeting the Russian hybrid challenge

By Franklin D. Kramer and Lauren M. Speranza

Since its takeover of Crimea in 2014, Russia has become increasingly emboldened, undertaking actions that, rather than propping up a failing regime, strike directly against the functioning of Western democracy. Employing a combination of “hybrid” actions–political, diplomatic, informational, cyber-, economic, covert and low-level force–the Kremlin has targeted countries not only on the fringes of its […]

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Issue Brief

May 23, 2017

NATO and Trump

By Fabrice Pothier and Alexander Vershbow

The case for a new transatlantic bargain.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Issue Brief

May 23, 2017

NATO and Trump

By Fabrice Pothier, Alexander Vershbow

The case for a new transatlantic bargain.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Issue Brief

Apr 5, 2017

Back to the North

By Magnus Nordenman

The European security environment is at its most volatile since the Cold War, and much of the friction between NATO and a newly assertive Russia can be found in the maritime domain, particularly in the Baltic Sea region. This means that NATO must once again address the role of the maritime domain in collective defense […]

Maritime Security NATO

Issue Brief

Feb 15, 2017

The return of the military draft

By Elisabeth Braw

“The Return of the Draft” takes a deeper look at how the draft is returning in a modernized fashion. The author outlines the key policy issues related to recruiting the best conscripts and how to maximize their benefit to the armed forces.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Issue Brief

Feb 15, 2017

The return of the military draft

By Elisabeth Braw

This spring, the Swedish government is expected to bring back its military draft after seven years. In this, Sweden will join its neighbor Norway, which never abolished its military draft but did make it gender-neutral last year. A third European country, Lithuania, has also reinstated the draft after abolishing it a decade ago. “The Return […]

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Issue Brief

Nov 15, 2016

Toward a more flexible NATO nuclear posture

By Matthew Kroenig

Over the past decade and a half, Russia has placed an increased emphasis on nuclear weapons in its military strategy and doctrine. Moscow’s assertive “escalate-to-de-escalate” nuclear strategy poses a distinguishable threat to NATO nations, and requires greater strategic thinking about NATO’s nuclear posture. After a quarter century of reducing its reliance on nuclear weapons, NATO […]

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Issue Brief

Nov 15, 2016

Toward a more flexible NATO nuclear posture

By Matthew Kroenig

Over the past decade and a half, Russia has placed an increased emphasis on nuclear weapons in its military strategy and doctrine. Moscow’s assertive “escalate-to-de-escalate” nuclear strategy poses a distinguishable threat to NATO nations, and requires greater strategic thinking about NATO’s nuclear posture.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

Events