Issues

Defense and Security

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

Upcoming Events

Roundtable with Australian Ambassador to the US Greg Moriarty

In-Person EVENT

A private roundtable discussion with the Ambassador of Australia to the United States, Greg Moriarty AO, on the US-Australia alliance, the trilateral AUKUS partnership, and defense and security developments in the Indo-Pacific.

US / Australia flags
Patrick Semansky / AP
Jul
23
View all Upcoming Events related to Defense and Security

Past Events

NATO Summit Debrief: What Comes Next After Ankara?

PAST EVENT VIDEO

Ambassador Julianne Smith, General Christopher Cavoli, and Leslie Vinjamuri analyze the outcomes of this summer's NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey.

Jul 13
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, right, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, left, depart a photo opportunity at the State Department on April 8, 2026.
Rod Lamkey / AP

Strait Talk: Lessons from Hormuz with Samir Saran

PAST EVENT

Observer Research Foundation President Samir Saran joins the Council for a private roundtable discussion on the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis.

Jul 8
Strait of Hormuz
Amirhosein Khorgooi / ISNA
View all Past Events related to Defense and Security

Commentary

How Russia's War on Ukraine is Reshaping Europe's Defense Strategy

Analysis
by Armida van Rij

The conflict offers lessons for how to bolster European security with less support from the United States.

A Ukrainian serviceman shoots towards a drone during training at the polygon, in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine.
Andriy Andriyenko / AP
Defense and Security

What the Defense Industry Discussed at the NATO Summit

Analysis
by Coauthors

North American and European industry representatives met in Ankara to discuss how to enhance the alliance’s capabilities through increased production, cooperation, and joint procurement.

Participants walk near displays during the NATO Defense Industry Forum
Hussein Malla / AP
Defense and Security
View all Defense and Security Commentary

Research

Strong Bipartisan Support for NATO Ahead of 2026 Summit

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Dina Smeltz

A new Chicago Council survey finds bipartisan majorities support the NATO alliance, including US troop deployments in Germany and Poland.

Flags flap in the wind outside NATO headquarters in Brussels
Virginia Mayo / AP
Public Opinion

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
View all Defense and Security Research

Experts

Rachel Bronson 

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