In-depth research & reports

Our pillars

Defense and deterrence in Europe

Developing policy recommendations for deterring and defending against Russian aggression aimed at allies and partners in the European theater.

Emerging challenges to transatlantic security

Creating strategies to harness emerging and disruptive technologies to maintain NATO’s competitive advantage and cohering a transatlantic approach to hybrid threats from Russia and China.

China and transatlantic security

Identifying areas of divergence and convergence between the United States and Europe with respect to China and proposing ideas to collectively counter China’s malign activities.

NATO and the new south

Analyzing the security impacts of great power competition in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions and developing strategies to improve stabilization missions beyond Europe’s borders.

Arctic security

Assessing the unique geopolitical and defense challenges of the High North to bridge perspectives between European and North American allies and partners on Arctic security issues.

NATO in America

Identifying bold policy ideas that demonstrate the enduring value of NATO to US interests in order to engage a new community of American champions for the Alliance.

Featured projects

Expert commentary & analysis

NATO Washington Summit

During this historic year for the Alliance, the Atlantic Council led the charge in shaping the agenda for the Washington Summit, informing the transatlantic community, and demonstrating NATO’s enduring value.

Take a look at our footprint from Washington as we begin to gear up for NATO Summit 2025 in The Hague, Netherlands

NATO 20/2020 content series

Stay connected

Our team

Experts

Content

New Atlanticist

Nov 6, 2024

Donald Trump just won the presidency. Our experts answer the big questions about what that means for America’s role in the world.

By Atlantic Council experts

When Trump returns to the presidency on January 20 next year, a number of global challenges will be awaiting him. Our experts outline what to expect.

Conflict Economy & Business

Report

Nov 4, 2024

NATO needs a ‘hellscape’ defense at ‘Replicator’ speed

By Franklin D. Kramer, Kristen Taylor

To enhance deterrence, the NATO Alliance should adopt a 'hellscape' approach designed to acquire and field low-cost, highly effective massed armaments, prepositioned on the forward lines of conflict, within a two-to-three year timeframe.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

New Atlanticist

Nov 1, 2024

NATO needs a defense industrial strategy that prioritizes being strong, smart, and together

By Kristen Taylor, Luka Ignac

A recent two-day summit underscored the ways in which the credibility of allied deterrence hinges on robust defense industrial cooperation.

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

In the News

Oct 28, 2024

Beniamino Irdi interviewed on RAI Radio 1’s Zapping radio show

By Beniamino Irdi

On October 28, Transatlantic Security Initiative nonresident senior fellow Beniamino Irdi was featured on RAI Radio 1’s Zapping discussing the election in Georgia.

Democratic Transitions Eastern Europe

New Atlanticist

Oct 24, 2024

To stay relevant and maintain support, NATO needs to get outside of Washington, DC

By Kristen Taylor

Recent visits to Seattle and Austin underscore that the Alliance needs to engage more where most Americans live, outside of the US capital.

NATO Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Oct 15, 2024

Irdi on RAI Radio 1 discussing China’s military exercise

By Beniamino Irdi

On October 15, Transatlantic Security Initiative nonresident senior fellow Beniamino Irdi was featured on RAI Radio 1’s Zapping discussing China’s military exercise around Taiwan.

China Indo-Pacific

New Atlanticist

Oct 9, 2024

European defense industrial woes need a transatlantic remedy

By Kristen Taylor, Luka Ignac

To ensure its security, the European Union should collaborate more closely with the United States on defense industrial production.

Conflict Defense Industry

In the News

Oct 7, 2024

Jeglinskas in 15min.lt on Lithuanian defense strategy

By Giedrimas Jeglinskas

On October 7, Transatlantic Security Initiative nonresident senior fellow Giedrimas Jeglinskas wrote an article in 15min.lt discussing the need for Lithuania to update its defense strategy.

Defense Policy Europe & Eurasia

Issue Brief

Oct 7, 2024

Strategic stability in the third nuclear age

By Matthew Kroenig

The world is entering a third nuclear age. This brief explores global strategic stability in the 2020s and 2030s.

NATO Nuclear Deterrence

Issue Brief

Oct 4, 2024

How the US and Europe can counter Russian information manipulation about nonproliferation

By Natasha Lander Finch, Ryan Arick

This strategic framework presents the findings and recommendations of the Atlantic Council project to develop and strengthen comprehensive responses to counter Russian foreign malign influence that undermine nonproliferation norms and regimes in Eastern Europe.

Disinformation Europe & Eurasia