Content

UkraineAlert

Feb 17, 2026

A bad Ukraine peace could ignite new wars in Russia’s former empire

By Joseph Epstein

If a settlement in Ukraine frees up Russian military resources without establishing credible deterrents against further Kremlin aggression, Moscow will have the means and the motive to reassert dominance elsewhere in its former empire, writes Joseph Epstein.

Central Asia
European Union

Dispatches

Feb 17, 2026

Weaponizing the odds: Prediction markets as a new vector for foreign influence

By Matthew Wein

As these markets proliferate, policymakers should treat them as dual-use infrastructures that require deliberate guardrails.

Disinformation
Economy & Business

In the News

Feb 17, 2026

Klein quoted in Forbes article on Russian escalation in space

By Atlantic Council

On February 14, Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow John Klein was quoted in a Forbes article on the threat posed by a Russian nuclear-armed ASAT and the need to develop adequate countermeasures. Dr. Klein discussed his recent Atlantic Council report, co-authored with Clementine Starling-Daniels, on Countering Russian escalation in space, and urged US defense planners […]

Russia
Space Security

EnergySource

Feb 17, 2026

Key questions on how Project Vault can secure minerals supplies

By Evan Musolino

The US plan to stockpile critical minerals is moving forward, but the details of its purpose, design, and usage have yet to be shared. Here are key areas to watch.

Energy & Environment
Geopolitics & Energy Security

Inflection Points

Feb 17, 2026

Dispatch from Munich: Europe is growing stronger, but will it be fast enough to save Ukraine?

By Frederick Kempe

The recent Munich Security Conference underscored the urgency with which European nations must act to address their vulnerabilities.

European Union
NATO

Dispatches

Feb 16, 2026

The promise and peril of Trump’s Board of Peace

By Eric Alter

The inaugural meeting of President Donald Trump’s initiative to manage the post-conflict reconstruction of Gaza takes place on February 19.

Conflict
Middle East

MENASource

Feb 15, 2026

Six reasons why Trump should choose the military option in Iran

By Michael Rozenblat

The benefits of fundamentally changing—or even eliminating—the Islamic Republic could outweigh the risks if the alternative is an emboldened, undeterred Iran.

Conflict
Iran

Fast Thinking

Feb 14, 2026

What Rubio said in Munich, what Europe heard, and what comes next

By Atlantic Council

The US secretary of state delivered a notably positive message to allies at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

Europe & Eurasia
NATO

In the News

Feb 13, 2026

Kroenig quoted in Semafor on the future of US-Europe relations

By Atlantic Council

On February 13, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in Semafor on the future of US-Europe relations, arguing that the US will continue to play a leadership role, even as Europe works to bolster its autonomy.

Europe & Eurasia
NATO

Press Release

Feb 13, 2026

Atlantic Council to host inaugural US–Caribbean Maritime and Ports Forum in Miami

MIAMI, FLORIDA — FEBRUARY 13, 2026 — The Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center (AALAC), in partnership with Florida International University, will host the inaugural US–Caribbean Maritime and Ports Forum in Miami on February 20, 2026, convening senior government officials, port authority leaders, private sector executives, and financial institution representatives to advance cooperation, investment, and policy coordination across the US–Caribbean maritime […]

Americas
Caribbean

Experts

Events