Issues

Defense and Security

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

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
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Commentary

The West Under Pressure: Inside Munich 2026

Podcast
Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

The Observer's Giles Whittell and ECFR's Dr. Jana Puglierin unpack what this year's Munich Security Conference revealed.

Marco Rubio at MSC
Alex Brandon / Pool AP
Defense and Security

Can Europe Stand Without the US?

Podcast
Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

Ahead of Munich, Georgina Wright and Sophia Besch explain how Europe is rearming and diversifying its alliances.

Rutte and Vance at MSC 2025
Matthias Schrader / AP
Defense and Security
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Research

Americans Oppose Ceding the Donbas to Russia Amid Push for Peace Deal

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

They are also divided on the United States’ participation in Europe’s “Coalition of the Willing” to defend a ceasefire in Ukraine.

A Ukrainian soldier near the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war
Iryna Rybakova / Ukraine's 93rd Mechanized Brigade via AP
Public Opinion

Americans Prioritize Using US Troops Defensively

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

The public supports deploying US troops to defend allies, particularly in Europe, but most oppose using them for territorial expansion.

A flag bearer holds the American flag as American forces march down a road
Jane Hahn / AP
Defense and Security
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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
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