Issues

Defense and Security

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

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

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

Ana Miyares Photography

View all Past Events related to Defense and Security

Commentary

June 1, 2026

Ceasefire Under Strain: Where US-Iran Peace Talks Stand

In the News

WTTW

Ariane Tabatabai

Ariane Tabatabai, the Council's vice president of research for security and defense, joins Chicago Tonight to discuss the latest on the war, Iran's nuclear program, and more.

Defense and Security

May 28, 2026

Trump, Europe, and the Russia-Ukraine War

In the News

CNN

Leslie Vinjamuri

"Momentum should be on Ukraine's side, if only Europe and the United States could collaborate effectively to really take advantage of this moment," Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri tells CNN International.

Defense and Security

View all Defense and Security Commentary

Research

March 3, 2026

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.