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In the News

May 13, 2025

Cole interviews US Marine Corps Major General Peter D. Huntley on MARSOC podcast

On April 25, Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow August Cole sat down with US Marine Corps Major General Peter D. Huntley, Commander of the Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC), to discuss the command’s future pathways and the strategic challenges it faces today.

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

May 13, 2025

Starling-Daniels and Luetkefend quoted in WMAL article titled “In Great Power Competition, Special Ops to Play Key Role”

On May 3, Forward Defense director Clementine Starling-Daniels and assistant director Theresa Luetkefend were quoted in a WMAL article titled “In Great Power Competition, Special Ops to Play Key Role.” The article highlights their argument that, after two decades primarily focused on counterterrorism and direct-action missions during the Global War on Terror, today’s peer and […]

Africa Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

May 13, 2025

The father of ‘soft power,’ a supreme intellect, and an eternal optimist: The Atlantic Council remembers Joseph Nye

By Atlantic Council

Members of the Atlantic Council community reflect on the enduring impact of Joseph Nye’s scholarship and public service.

Freedom and Prosperity Human Rights

EnergySource

May 13, 2025

Four energy deals Trump will look to make on his Middle East trip 

By Ellen Wald

President Trump’s upcoming trip to the Middle East will focus on advancing energy and commercial agreements, including securing Gulf investments in US manufacturing, increasing US LNG imports, deepening nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia, and locking in oil production commitments. These efforts are ultimately aimed at advancing broader geopolitical objectives—countering Russian influence and strengthening US energy dominance.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

May 13, 2025

Ullman in the Hill on the United Kingdom’s “defense dividend” and hybrid Russian aggression  

On May 12, Atlantic Council Senior Advisor Harlan Ullman published an op-ed in the Hill urging the United Kingdom and its Western allies to build greater capacity to respond to future Russian hybrid attacks. He argues that, without public support, governments will struggle to meaningfully increase defense spending and counter malign influence. 

Politics & Diplomacy Russia

Experts react

May 12, 2025

Experts react: The US and China just agreed to dramatically reduce tariffs on each other, for now. What’s next? 

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts explain what the ninety-day reduction in US-China tariffs means for Washington, Beijing, and the global trading system.

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

May 12, 2025

The India-Pakistan crisis shows Washington that it must stop Iran’s nuclear rise

By Alex Plitsas

The fighting in South Asia reminded Washington of the global stakes of nuclear crises. Those stakes are why the United States must prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Crisis Management Iran

New Atlanticist

May 12, 2025

From A to F, here’s how to grade a possible nuclear deal with Iran

By Jonathan Panikoff

Trump may well be on his way to getting a deal with Iran over its nuclear program. But whether it passes the test will depend on its details.

Arms Control Economic Sanctions

In the News

May 12, 2025

Bayoumi on US-Canada relations after Carney’s election victory

On May 9, Imran Bayoumi, associate director at the GeoStrategy Initiative, published an op-ed on MSNBC outlining opportunities for collaboration between Washington and Ottawa after Mark Carney was elected prime minister. He emphasizes that defense spending and Arctic security are critical areas for enhanced bilateral cooperation.

Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense

Fast Thinking

May 12, 2025

What to make of the respite in the US-China trade war

By Atlantic Council

After the United States and China announced they will temporarily reduce tariffs, our experts are decoupling the signal from the noise of this major de-escalation.

China International Markets

Experts

Events