Security & Defense

One of the most fundamental responsibilities of governments is to protect their citizens from all threats, internal or foreign. Policy makers must prepare for potential conventional warfare, terrorism and other asymmetrical attacks, and the repercussions of natural disasters and climate change to ensure the safety of their citizens. The motivation to protect against future threats must also be partnered with regular dialogue and partnership with allies and neighbors to prevent the triggering of violent conflict or destabilizing arms races.

In The New Arab, Yevgeniya Gaber discusses how a new Black Sea grain crisis would affect the Middle East

MENASource Aug 25, 2024

After a failed attack, Hezbollah’s propaganda seeks to prevent a wider war with Israel

By David Daoud

Committed as Hezbollah is to saving its Gaza-based allies, the group does not currently want a full war with Israel.

Conflict Israel

New Atlanticist Aug 21, 2024

How quickly can Taiwan integrate US weapon systems? Speed is essential to help deter China.

By Adam Kozloski

To better prepare Taiwan to defend itself, the United States needs more transparency into Taipei’s weapons integration challenges.

Conflict Defense Policy

UkraineAlert Aug 21, 2024

Invasion? What invasion? Putin is downplaying Ukraine’s Kursk offensive

By Peter Dickinson

Vladimir Putin’s efforts to downplay Ukraine’s invasion of Russia have severely dented his strongman image and make a mockery of the West’s escalation fears, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Defense Policy

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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.

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Content

In the News

Sep 3, 2026

In The New Arab, Yevgeniya Gaber discusses how a new Black Sea grain crisis would affect the Middle East

Maritime Security Middle East

Dispatches

Sep 2, 2026

How the White House can get ahead of the next biological threat

By Asha M. George

Trump can strengthen US biodefense by restoring White House capacity and updating national strategies before the next biological crisis.

Non-Traditional Threats Resilience & Society

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Sep 2, 2026

Braw in ZDFheute on the drone incident in Leipzig

By Elisabeth Braw

On September 2, Elisabeth Braw was quoted in ZDFheute discussing the recent drone attack on Leipzig airport.

Europe Security & Defense

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Sep 2, 2026

Braw in DW News on European responses to Russian hybrid attacks

By Elisabeth Braw

On September 2, Elisabeth Braw was interviewed by DW News to discuss possible European responses to Russia’s recent hybrid attacks against Europe.

Europe Security & Defense

Issue Brief

Sep 2, 2026

Strengthening state presence in Colombia’s conflict-affected territories

By the US–Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition

Colombia's new president has made restoring state authority in the country's conflict-affected territories a central priority as armed groups compete to control communities and economies. In the wake of the August 10 earthquake, the US-Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition outlines how Colombia, with US support, can build lasting state presence.

Americas Colombia

UkraineAlert

Sep 1, 2026

For Putin, the ‘root cause’ of the war is the existence of independent Ukraine

By Kateryna Odarchenko

Moscow claims to be ready for peace once the "root causes" of the Russia-Ukraine War are addressed, but Putin's demands confirm that he believes the "root cause" of the war is the existence of an independent Ukraine, writes Kateryna Odarchenko.

Conflict Disinformation

Podcast

Sep 1, 2026

So what’s the strategy for US Nuclear Posture ?

By the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

In the season finale of So What’s the Strategy, host Matthew Kroenig is joined by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, to discuss what the US strategy should be for ensuring nuclear preeminence.

Security & Defense

Dispatches

Sep 1, 2026

Where and how Putin could expand his war in Europe beyond Ukraine

By Atlantic Council experts

The CIA director’s recent unannounced visit to Moscow has raised speculation about Russian plans to escalate attacks.

Conflict Eastern Europe

UkraineAlert

Sep 1, 2026

Europe should already start planning for a post-Lukashenka Belarus

By Viktar Baranau

There is nothing about today’s Belarus that suggests a country on the verge of change. Nevertheless, European policymakers would be well-advised to begin preparing for a post-Lukashenka Belarus now, in order to have a plan in place when the moment of transition arrives, writes Viktar Baranau.

Belarus Conflict

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Sep 1, 2026

Braw in Foreign Policy on cognitive dissonance in the Strait of Hormuz

By Elisabeth Braw

On September 1, Elisabeth Braw was published in Foreign Policy on the difference between reality on the ground and the Trump administration’s messaging.

Europe Security & Defense

Experts

Fellow

Nasredeen Abdulbari

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Project for Middle East Integration

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Africa Arabic

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Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Middle East National Security

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Ahmed Aboudouh

Former Nonresident Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic China

Fellow

Elliot Ackerman

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Fellow

Nic Adams

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Energy & Environment Middle East

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Paul Adamson

Senior Advisor

Europe Center

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

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Online Event Fri, September 4, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

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Security & Defense

After a failed attack, Hezbollah’s propaganda seeks to prevent a wider war with Israel

How quickly can Taiwan integrate US weapon systems? Speed is essential to help deter China.

Invasion? What invasion? Putin is downplaying Ukraine’s Kursk offensive

Programs

Content

In The New Arab, Yevgeniya Gaber discusses how a new Black Sea grain crisis would affect the Middle East

How the White House can get ahead of the next biological threat

Braw in ZDFheute on the drone incident in Leipzig

Braw in DW News on European responses to Russian hybrid attacks

Strengthening state presence in Colombia’s conflict-affected territories

For Putin, the ‘root cause’ of the war is the existence of independent Ukraine

So what’s the strategy for US Nuclear Posture ?

Where and how Putin could expand his war in Europe beyond Ukraine

Europe should already start planning for a post-Lukashenka Belarus

Braw in Foreign Policy on cognitive dissonance in the Strait of Hormuz