Issues

Defense and Security

Analysis, research, and programming related to acquisition and resources, homeland security, strategy, reconstruction, military/nuclear issues, and terrorism.

Upcoming Events

The Digital Battlefield: How Technology Is Transforming War

Hybrid EVENT

Kathleen Hicks and Patrick Tucker discuss the changing nature of warfare and what it means for the future of global defense and security.

Register Today
In this photo provided by Ukraine's 65th Mechanized Brigade press service, a soldier tests land drones in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine
Andriy Andriyenko / AP
Mar
18
View all Upcoming Events related to Defense and Security

Past Events

Citizens and Soldiers: Can the Military Remain Apolitical?

PAST EVENT VIDEO
America at 250

Kori Schake and Leslie Vinjamuri discuss the changing relationship between America's citizens and armed forces and what that means for the nation's defense.

Feb 17
Leslie Vinjamuri and Kori Schake on the Council Stage
Ana Miyares Photography

Global Perceptions of US Defense in a Changing World

PAST EVENT

Emerging Leaders and Young Professional members are invited to a lunch and roundtable discussion on the US military with Alex Wagner.

Nov 18
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds perform during the Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach, California, on October 4, 2024.
Eric Thayer / AP
View all Past Events related to Defense and Security

Commentary

Where Americans Stand on the Iran War

In the News
India Today
Craig Kafura

"Democrats are strongly opposed to the war, Independents tend to oppose the war, and even among Republicans a lot say they don't know," Council Director of Public Opinion and Foreign Policy Craig Kafura says, drawing on recent polling.

Craig Kafura and other speakers appear on screen alongside visuals US Foreign Policy

What the US Aims to Achieve in Iran

In the News
NBC 5 Chicago
Leslie Vinjamuri

""I think that President Trump has probably realized he doesn't have the ability to deliver regime change in Iran without committing US troops on the ground," Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri says.

Leslie Vinjamuri speaks via video with NBC 5 Chicago US Foreign Policy
View all Defense and Security Commentary

Research

Majority of Americans Say Congress' Approval Needed for US Strikes in Iran

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

While few Americans want to see Iran develop a nuclear weapon, just half expressed support for US airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities—and most believe direct military action would spark a broader regional war.

Plumes of smoke from two simultaneous strikes rise over Tehran, Iran
Mohsen Ganji / AP
US Foreign Policy

Americans See Congress as Weak on Foreign Policy Compared to the President

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

Just three in 10 Americans see the division of foreign policy powers between Congress and the president as “about right.”

President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress
Jessica Koscielniak / Pool via AP
Public Opinion
View all Defense and Security Research

Experts

Rachel Bronson 

Lester Crown Senior Nonresident Fellow, Energy and Geopolitics
Photo of Rachel Bronson
Expertise
Middle East and North Africa
Defense and Security
US Foreign Policy

Ivo H. Daalder 

President Emeritus, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Headshot of Ivo H. Daalder
Expertise
North America
Europe
Defense and Security
Global Politics
US Foreign Policy
Social Media
View all Defense and Security Experts