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Defense and Security

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

Upcoming Events

Are We Heading Toward a New Nuclear Arms Race?

Virtual EVENT

Laura S. H. Holgate, Christine E. Wormuth, and Ariane Tabatabai discuss what the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty reveals about the future of arms control.

Register Today
IAEA Flag
Matthias Schrader / AP
May
28
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Past Events

The Digital Battlefield: How Technology Is Transforming War

PAST EVENT VIDEO

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

Mar 18
Speakers on the Council's stage.
Ana Miyares Photography

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
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Commentary

Will the War Change Iran’s Way of War?

In the News
Lawfare
Ariane Tabatabai

"This war has allowed Iran to test its strategy and operational capabilities, giving the regime an opportunity to adjust them to strengthen its resistance capacity," Ariane Tabatabai, Council senior fellow on the Middle East, and Madison Rinder write.

troops stand while attending a maneuver in northwestern Iran
Iranian Revolutionary Guard's Ground Force via AP
Defense and Security

What We Know About the Status of a US-Iran Deal

In the News
NPR
Ariane Tabatabai

"The picture that is being painted . . . is one where the United States is giving a lot more to Iran and is receiving a lot less in return," Ariane Tabatabai, Council senior fellow on the Middle East, tells NPR.

A woman walks past an anti-US mural painted on the wall of the former US embassy in Tehran
Vahid Salemi / AP
US Foreign Policy
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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
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Experts

Rachel Bronson 

Lester Crown Senior Nonresident Fellow, Energy and Geopolitics, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
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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
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