On key foreign policy questions—around the Ukraine-Russia war, a China-Taiwan contingency, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and more—there’s often a disconnect between Washington’s policies and the preferences of the American people.

Ahead of the Washington, DC, NATO summit, DEFP organized a symposium to stimulate critical thinking about the 75-year-old military alliance. Top experts shared their insights in an effort to inform and improve U.S. policy.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has become a grinding war of attrition resulting in hundreds of thousands of casualties. As the war continues and losses mount, Russia’s material advantages make a Ukrainian military victory less likely, while the risk of escalation into a direct conflict between NATO and Russia remains.

DEFP experts provide realistic, credible analysis of breaking news, unfolding events, and complex policy issues. Our analysts help simplify complex issues and provide accessible, concrete policy recommendations. View our experts, and connect with them for interviews and comment.

Following the heinous October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas, Israel responded with a devastating assault on Gaza. As that conflict rages, the risks of spillover into a broader regional war remain dangerously high—as does the risk to U.S. troops in the region, who remain targets.

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security. We work to elevate and operationalize restraint.