Issues

Defense and Security

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

Upcoming Events

Inside Iran: How the War May Shape the Country's Political Future

Hybrid EVENT

Richard Nephew, Dafna Rand, and Ariane Tabatabai examine what the war in Iran means for the country's people, its civil society, and its political future.

Register Today
Photograph of Iran Flag
Vahid Salemi / AP
Jul
1

Strait Talk: Lessons from Hormuz with Samir Saran

In-Person EVENT

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

Strait of Hormuz
Amirhosein Khorgooi / ISNA
Jul
8
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Past Events

Are We Heading Toward a New Nuclear Arms Race?

PAST EVENT VIDEO

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

May 28
IAEA Flag
Matthias Schrader / AP

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
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Commentary

In Iran, America’s Military Readiness Takes a Costly Hit

Analysis
by Ariane Tabatabai

From Venezuela to the Middle East, the Trump administration has not hesitated to use force. But even the world’s most powerful military has its limits.

Military hardware is paraded in Washington to commemorate the Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026, coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations.
Jose Luis Magana / AP
Defense and Security

Israel and Iran Halt Fire amid Standoff over Lebanon

In the News
CNN
Leslie Vinjamuri

The recent strikes could complicate US efforts to negotiate a deal with Tehran, Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri tells CNN. "This sort of escalatory violence, if there's a return to that, it gets that much more difficult."

Leslie Vinjamuri speaks with a CNN journalist Defense and Security
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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
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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