Transatlantic Security Initiative Commentary & Analysis

All timely commentary & analysis

New Atlanticist

Jun 26, 2020

Germany may not like the American messenger. But it should heed his message.

By Jeffrey Lightfoot

The US president and the German government have given up on one another and withdrawn to their own camps, ignoring the growing structural issues in their bilateral ties that promise to linger no matter who wins the US presidential elections this fall.

Defense Policy Germany

New Atlanticist

Jun 25, 2020

What’s at stake in Trump’s plans to withdraw troops from Germany

By Katherine Golden

On June 15, US President Donald J. Trump confirmed press reports that he is planning to pull 9,500 US troops out of Germany, leaving 25,000 in the country. Here’s how the Atlantic Council’s experts are assessing the decision and its significance.

Defense Policy Germany

In the News

Jun 15, 2020

Busch in The Hill: US trade policy caught in a lobster trap

By Marc L. Busch

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Jun 8, 2020

NATO secretary general unveils his vision for the Alliance’s future

By David A. Wemer

On June 8, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg laid out his plans for a new period of reflection on the Alliance’s mission and structure over the next ten years. At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated certain security threats to member states, including “unabated” Russian military activity, the spread of disinformation and propaganda, and the disruptive ascendance of China, NATO “must stay strong militarily, be more united politically, and take a broader approach globally,” he stated.

Coronavirus NATO

New Atlanticist

Jun 5, 2020

Increase NATO’s operational reach: Expanding the NATO SOF network

By Thang Q. Tran

NATO cannot safeguard the coalition’s interests unilaterally. Strategic investments in NATO Special Operations Forces (SOF) to expand the NATO SOF Network will provide political and military leaders the full range of options in response to emerging threats—both hybrid and conventional—through strong partnerships within the Alliance and with partners.

Defense Policy NATO

New Atlanticist

Jun 1, 2020

NATO’s role in a transatlantic strategy on China

By Ian Brzezinski

NATO can be an effective forum for Allies to share awareness of China's capabilities and activities, develop a transatlantic security strategy regarding China, and pool capacities for engagement and deterrence.

China NATO

New Atlanticist

May 27, 2020

COVID-19 will not change Italy’s Euro-Atlantic position, defense minister says

By Francesco Bechis

"Many countries have shown solidarity toward Italy in an extraordinary situation. We talk to everyone, but the pillars of our security are NATO and the European Union, and these shall remain," Guerini said.

Coronavirus Italy
Nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier

Insights & Impact

Apr 26, 2020

Brzezinski and Skaluba cited in the Economist on COVID-19’s impact on defense spending

By Ian Brzezinski and Chris Skaluba

Ian Brzezinski and Chris Skaluba quoted on the likelihood that COVID-19 will drive down defense spending and the implications that has for reigniting the burden-sharing debate in NATO.

Coronavirus Defense Industry

New Atlanticist

Apr 23, 2020

NATO’s defense depends on mobility

By David A. Wemer

Military mobility—the ability to move massive amounts of troops and military equipment across territory and national borders rapidly—has warranted increasing attention from NATO policymakers over the last few years, but significant legal, diplomatic, and logistical challenges still need to be overcome—not to mention the sudden impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “We have made some real progress,” explained US Army Europe Commander General Christopher Cavoli, “but there is a bit of work left to be done.”

NATO

New Atlanticist

Apr 16, 2020

NATO allies have stepped up to help each other during coronavirus emergency

By David A. Wemer

Although the coronavirus pandemic has strained the medical infrastructure and economies of countries across Europe and North America, NATO allies “are coming to the rescue of those in need,” NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană said on April 16. Despite initial focuses on the dire situation within each country’s own borders, Geoană reported that he has seen “this almost natural reaction to come to the assistance of our neighbors.”

Coronavirus NATO
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