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November 4, 2025 Power Under Pressure: The Fight to Protect Taiwan’s Energy Lifelines from Beijing’s Aggression This summer, teams from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and the Taipei-based Centre for Innovative Democracy and Sustainability (CIDS) at National Chengchi University conducted a tabletop exercise examining how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) might escalate military, diplomatic and economic pressure towards an unacknowledged quarantine, interrupting and potentially blocking Taiwan’s energy imports. The exercise revealed that while Taiwan must urgently address its energy vulnerabilities, coordinated actions by the United States, Japan, Australia, and European partners can significantly impact Beijing's strategic calculus. October 27, 2025 Israel 2040: Benny Gantz’s Vision for Security and Cooperation What insights do recent events provide for Israel’s long-term strategy? How can Israel balance its goal to remain a global center of innovation with the demands of confronting a nuclear-ambitious regime in Iran, countering an emerging Turkish-Syrian axis, and pursuing regional normalization? Benny Gantz, chairman of Israel’s Blue and White – National Unity Party and former Oct. 7 War Cabinet Minister, will outline "Israel’s Security Vision 2040", his roadmap for national resilience, strategic cooperation, and sustained empowerment. The conversation will be moderated by FDD Chief Executive Mark Dubowitz. October 17, 2025 Containment Redux: Persian Gulf War Lessons from Iraq for U.S. Strategy Toward Iran To examine the parallels between Iran in 2025 and Iraq after the First Persian Gulf War, FDD hosts Elliott Abrams, Council on Foreign Relations senior fellow and former U.S. special representative for Iran; Reuel Marc Gerecht, FDD resident scholar and former CIA Iranian targets officer; and Kenneth M. Pollack, Middle East Institute vice president for policy and former NSC director for Persian Gulf affairs. Moderated by FDD’s Iran Program Senior Director Behnam Ben Taleblu, the discussion will analyze how Washington’s mix of deterrence, sanctions, and diplomacy aims to recalibrate U.S. policy toward the Islamic Republic while preventing a 2003-style Iraq War outcome with Iran. October 9, 2025 America’s Cyber Resiliency in 2025: Lessons from the Fifth CSC 2.0 Annual Assessment FDD and CSC 2.0 host a conversation with Commission Co-Chairs Sen. Angus King (I-ME) and Hon. Mike Gallagher, alongside CSC 2.0 Advisor Hon. Jim Langevin and former CSC Executive Director RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, who leads CSC 2.0 and serves as senior director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI). The conversation is moderated by Maggie Miller, cybersecurity reporter for Politico. October 7, 2025 Powering U.S. Energy Dominance with Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum America’s ability to achieve and sustain energy dominance is central to both economic growth and national security. The newly established National Energy Dominance Council is charged with ensuring reliable, affordable energy at home while leveraging U.S. resources to project strength abroad. Join FDD for a conversation featuring The Honorable Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, on the Trump administration’s energy policies and his role as chair of the National Energy Dominance Council. The discussion will be moderated by Richard Goldberg, FDD senior advisor and director of FDD’s newly established Energy and National Security Program. October 3, 2025 Supporting Ukraine’s Defense Today, Tomorrow, and in the Future To assess recent developments in Ukraine, FDD's Russia Program hosts Admiral Ihor Voronchenko, former inspector general of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, former commander of the Naval Forces of Ukraine, and an Army Division Commander in the 2014 conflict; Col (Ret.) Andy Bain, executive director of Ukraine Freedom Fund in Kyiv; Maj Gen (Ret.) Charles Corcoran, former assistant deputy chief of staff for U.S. Air Force Operations; and RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, senior director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation. The conversation will be moderated by Tara Copp, journalist at The Washington Post, with introductory remarks by ADM (Ret.) Lisa Franchetti, former chief of Naval Operations and Commander, Sixth Fleet. September 30, 2025 Countering the Axis of Aggressors with LTG (Ret.) H.R. McMaster and GEN (Ret.) Laura Richardson September 9, 2025 FDD SITREP | IDF Strikes Senior Hamas Leadership in Doha August 6, 2025 Reexamining the U.S.-South Africa Relationship South Africa is emerging as a key enabler of authoritarian influence. From hosting joint military exercises with Russia and China to serving as a sanctions evasion hub and a vocal defender of Tehran, Pretoria is positioning itself in direct opposition to U.S. strategic interests. For a discussion on how Washington is reexamining its relationship with South Africa, FDD hosts a virtual panel of experts July 11, 2025 Surveying the U.S. Counterterrorism Landscape with Dr. Sebastian Gorka Surveying the U.S. Counterterrorism Landscape with Dr. Sebastian Gorka The terrorism challenges facing U.S. are significant — and widening. A dangerous network of independent and adversary-backed groups pose a grave danger to the United States, with America’s critical infrastructure, global supply chains, economic assets, and citizens vulnerable to both cyber, drone, and conventional attack. More than twenty years after the ‘War on Terror’ began, Sunni extremism also persists, joined by radical Islamists that are aligned and cultivated by the regime in Iran. Proliferating across Central and South America, the Horn of Africa and the Sahel, Southeast Asia, and beyond, strong and integrated U.S. counterterrorism strategy is needed today no less than after the attacks of 9/11. In such a landscape, what can be done to address existing and emerging threats in this space? What is the Trump administration’s strategy to keep Americans safe from terrorism? July 2, 2025 Breaking China’s Chokehold: Securing America’s Advanced Battery Supply Chains China has developed a state-led policy of weaponizing critical supply chains against rivals, raising serious economic security and national security concerns for the United States. Both the Biden and Trump administrations have taken important steps to bolster domestic production of minerals, components, and batteries, but much more can and should be done to unlock private sector funding and innovation, support ally-shoring and allied capacity, stabilize pricing and streamline permitting. The U.S. must also develop strategies to push back against a wide range of Chinese non-market practices that it uses to establish supply chain dominance, create resource dependencies, undermine foreign rivals, concentrate economic power, and destabilize American and global economies. June 21, 2025 FDD SITREP | U.S. Bombs Iran Nuclear Sites After days and weeks of uncertainty, the United States struck Iran’s most fortified nuclear site — the crown jewel, Fordow — along with Natanz and Isfahan. The attack capped a week of Israeli operations that shattered key components of Iran’s nuclear program and eliminated top IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists. Are we witnessing the final chapter of the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program unfold before our eyes? May 28, 2025 Battleground AI: U.S. National Security and Adversarial Use of AI For malign actors seeking to undermine U.S. global leadership and economic prosperity, AI is the latest battleground. Join us to discuss how the government and private sector innovation base can collaborate to combat national security threats, counter adversarial AI use, and expand the innovation capabilities of America and its allies around the world. April 11, 2025 FDD’s Air and Missile Defense Program Launch To help protect the United States and its allies from the rising threat of missile and drone attacks, FDD is excited to inaugurate its new Air and Missile Defense Program, housed within the Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP). April 3, 2025 The Trajectory of U.S. Economic Statecraft The current economic “moment” is seeing a generational re-ordering of global trade, alliances, and capital. The Trump Administration is unleashing an unprecedented and muscular use of economic power, with tariffs on historical allies and adversaries alike, ramped up sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, new investment incentives and reviews, and willingness to endure economic pain to remake the global order. The framework and objectives for this new use of economic power, however, continue to evolve. April 3, 2025 Persistent Access, Persistent Threat: Ensuring Military Mobility Against Malicious Cyber Actors Over the past year, the intelligence community has revealed how deeply Chinese hackers known as Volt Typhoon penetrated U.S. transportation, energy, and water systems. Meanwhile, other Chinese Communist Party (CCP) malicious cyber operations, including Flax Typhoon, hijacked cameras and routers. Salt Typhoon burrowed deep into U.S. telecommunications networks; Silk Typhoon compromised U.S. Treasury networks. March 14, 2025 Maximum Support: Operationalizing the Other Iran Policy Iran's nuclear program is escalating, its economy worsening, and Tehran's terror-regime ties with other authoritarians are tightening. As a result, the United States has an unparalleled opportunity to operationalize alternative policy options that marry maximum support of the Iranian people with maximum pressure against the Iranian regime. March 14, 2025 Israeli Innovation and Defense Tech: Strengthening Ties and Regional Normalization Israel’s tech ecosystem plays a pivotal role in strengthening US-Israel relations, particularly collaborative innovations, economic partnerships, and geopolitical ties. These dynamics, notably in defense technology, align with U.S. national security interests and foster normalization with Gulf states by enhancing regional stability and economic resilience. Through the lens of innovation, these unique opportunities for collaboration and diplomacy have the potential to reshape regional dynamics and foster lasting peace. March 11, 2025 Coaching the Cyber Team: The Future of the Office of the National Cyber Director and Cyber Governance How should the administration clarify and reinforce the role of the National Cyber Director? How can the administration create a more structured and accountable interagency cyber community? How can these structures set clearer national priorities and achieve the goals of deterring adversaries and advancing national resilience in cyberspace. February 25, 2025 Powering National Security: Energy Policy in the US and Beyond Any threat to the stability and independence of Western energy directly increases the power of malicious new alliances between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. How can national security remain steadfast in the face of a potential energy transition? What are the potential dangers of operating and enacting energy policies based on future ideals as opposed to current realities? What is the position of the Trump administration on these matters? February 17, 2025 The Day After: Yair Lapid’s Vision for a Peaceful Middle East Paired with global political realities, Israel's military successes present Jerusalem a window of opportunity. Yair Lapid, former Israeli Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and current Leader of Opposition of the Knesset, joins FDD to deliver a new proposal for the future of Gaza as part of his strategic vision for a peaceful and prosperous Israel and Middle East. February 5, 2025 Turkey’s Neo-Ottoman Resurgence In light of its ambitions for the Middle East and Arab world, how can Turkey’s expansionist ambitions be best understood? What are the potential consequences for Turkey’s neighbors in the Mediterranean? Will Turkey’s NATO status mean less as the U.S. changes its relationship with the alliance? Can Turkey be trusted to be an honest power in Syria, or will Turkey’s dreams yield a new sphere of influence? December 18, 2024 Infrastructure Security in the Cyber Age: A Conversation with CISA Director Jen Easterly The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) at the Department of Homeland Security is charged with collaborating with the private sector to secure critical systems. Since its creation in 2018, CISA has led federal efforts to understand and mitigate systemic cyber risk. How vulnerable is America in cyberspace? And, as U.S. adversaries become more aggressive in cyberspace, how can CISA bolster national cyber resilience? FDD’s CCTI hosts a fireside chat with CISA Director Jen Easterly on protecting critical infrastructure in the cyber age. December 18, 2024 Tunnel Vision: U.S.-Israel Cooperation and the Future of Underground Warfare What is the nature of subterranean warfare, how was it used in Gaza and Lebanon, and was this an anomaly peculiar to those wars and places or rather a sign of things to come elsewhere? What lessons should be learned, and how should Israel, the United States, and its allies respond? December 18, 2024 Cyber Strategies and Successes: A Conversation with National Cyber Director Harry Coker, Jr. Since its creation four years ago, the Office of the National Cyber Director has worked to develop a new national cybersecurity strategy and executed dozens of technical, governance, workforce, and policy solutions to implement the strategy. Has this implementation bolstered national cyber resilience? FDD’s CCTI hosts a fireside chat with National Cyber Director Harry Coker, Jr. on the role of ONCD, its past successes, and lessons learned for the future. October 21, 2024 The War on America’s 2024 Elections: How U.S. Adversaries Seek to Divide Americans and Undermine Trust What specific actions are China, Russia, and Iran taking to undermine trust in the coming election? And how should we respond? How do these latest actions fit into their broader information war? October 17, 2024 Sinwar is Dead: Now What? | FDD SITREP What does the death of Sinwar mean for Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza? How does it impact the broader war that Iran’s proxies are waging against Israel? What is the reaction within Israel – and within the Arab world? How might Israel, the United States, and our allies capitalize on this strategic shift on the battlefield? October 3, 2024 Beijing’s Axis of Chaos Today, China is the driving force behind much of the chaos we see around the world — from supporting rogue regimes such as Russia, Iran, and North Korea, to meddling in the Middle East, and interfering in America’s upcoming presidential election. FDD's China Program hosts a panel discussion featuring Matt Pottinger, FDD China Program Chairman and former Deputy National Security Advisor to discuss what steps can the US and its allies take to counter this unprecedented challenge. October 1, 2024 Iran Escalates Middle East War with Direct Attacks on Israel | FDD SITREP with Jon Schanzer, Jonathan Conricus, Jacob Nagel & Behnam Taleblu After sustaining nearly a year of escalatory attacks from Iran's Lebanese terror proxy Hezbollah, Israel has finally gone on the offensive and has begun to snuff out the Islamic Republic's 'ring of fire.' Hezbollah's missile and drone arsenal has been crippled along with their entire command structure. All eyes turn to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran for what might come next. So, what lies ahead? How long might it realistically take for Israel to neutralize or dismantle the enduring threats Hezbollah poses to its sovereignty and safety? Will the regime in Iran light a match and reignite its 'ring of fire' in a vengeful attempt to settle the score? September 27, 2024 Israel’s Strike on Hezbollah HQ | FDD SITREP with Jonathan Conricus, Jon Schanzer & David Daoud FDD is tracking a potential major development in Israel’s multi-front war against Iran-backed terrorists with reports of a potential strike against Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah and other senior Hezbollah leaders. September 25, 2024 Targeting Taiwan: Beijing’s Playbook for Economic and Cyber Warfare The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aims to “reintegrate Taiwan,” effectively stripping the Taiwanese people of their de facto independence. To explore these threats, a delegation of FDD experts recently visited Taiwan to conduct war games and tabletop exercises (TTXs). The TTX produced several key recommendations to enhance economic, cyber, and societal resilience, and offered insights into how the United States and its allies can support Taiwan in its struggle for autonomy. To discuss these findings Craig Singleton, RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, and Cliff May are joined by Dr. Hank C.C. Huang, and Ben Jensen. September 16, 2024 Axis of Aggressors: H.R. McMaster on Defending America’s Interests The members of this “axis of aggressors” are united in their determination to undermine the United States and counter its core interests. Though their methods may vary, these adversaries share a desire to sow chaos, erode the rule of law, and weaken the United States and its allies. To discuss the situations in Middle East, the Pacific, and Ukraine, as well as the path forward, FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP) hosts CMPP Chairman LTG (Ret.) H.R. McMaster, a 34-year-veteran of the U.S. Army and a former U.S. National Security Advisor, in conversation with CMPP Senior Director Bradley Bowman. September 5, 2024 America’s Cyber Resiliency in 2024: A Conversation with CSC 2.0 Co-Chair Sen. Angus King As cyber threats from malign actors against America’s critical infrastructure evolve, so must our defenses. Four years ago, the congressionally mandated Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC) offered a new strategic approach to combat these threats and defend U.S. national security and economic interests in cyberspace. Since then, the Commission’s report and white papers have driven significant advancements in U.S. cybersecurity policy, prompting Congress and the White House to develop innovative solutions to address these challenges. However, key questions remain for Congress and the White House. To explore these questions, FDD and CSC 2.0 host a discussion featuring Commission Co-Chair Sen. Angus King (I-ME); Tom Fanning, RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, and Sam Sabin. August 27, 2024 Strategic Planning in Chaos: The Future of the U.S.-Israel Security Partnership The Middle East is teetering on the precipice of major upheaval as the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxies have ignited a devastating multi-front war against Israel and the West. Meanwhile, the US is attempting to restrain Israel from taking direct action against Iran and Hezbollah, fearing that one miscalculated move may tip the scale. Additionally, efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to broker a hostage deal seem to be moving one step forward and two steps back. These dynamics present unprecedented challenges to the U.S.-Israel security relationship. To explore these topics and more, FDD will host a panel discussion with MG (Ret.) Amir Eshel, Eyal Hulata, RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Jonathan Schanzer,and Katie Pavlich. June 24, 2024 Supercharging the Development Finance Corporation: Opportunities and Pathways for Development, Infrastructure, and Investment DFC bolsters U.S. national and economic security, enabling the United States to work with key partners and allies to define a new vision of public-private development financing, centered around transparency, financial sustainability, and economic resilience, while reinforcing high standards for protecting human rights and the environment. FDD’s Center on Economic and Financial Power (CEFP) hosts Nisha Biswal, Deputy CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation for a wide ranging conversation with Senior Director and Head of CEFP Elaine Dezenski. May 20, 2024 Flashpoints and High Stakes: America’s Blueprint to Counter China In the face of growing tensions between the United States and the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan is emerging as a pivotal flashpoint. As America strategizes its response, careful consideration and planning are paramount to address the challenges ahead. May 19, 2024 Breaking News Out of Iran | FDD SITREP with Mark Dubowitz, Rich Goldberg, and Saeed Ghasseminejad April 18, 2024 Transatlantic Security After 75 Years of NATO: A Conversation with U.S. European Command This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the NATO. Even as the US attempts to address serious threats in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific, Washington now confronts “a combination of challenges and threats in the Euro-Atlantic area that we have not seen in more than thirty years,” according to congressional testimony last month by the commander of USEUCOM. So why should Americans care about security in Europe? What are Russia and China up to on the continent? To discuss these questions and more, FDD’s CMPP hosts Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, Deputy Commander of U.S. European Command, and Ambassador Kate Marie Byrnes, the command’s Civilian Deputy and Foreign Policy Advisor. April 14, 2024 Iran’s Historic Aerial Assault on Israel: SITREP and Policy Options The Islamic Republic of Iran ramped up its decades-long assault on Israel with an unprecedented attack last night, firing an estimated 300 drones and missiles at Israel – including directly from Iranian soil. Israel’s multi-layered missile defense system, along with robust support from a broad coalition of allied partners in the region, successfully thwarted the aerial offensive targeting Israeli civilians. All eyes are now on Jerusalem to see what happens next. April 13, 2024 Iran Attacks Israel with Drones and Missiles | FDD SITREP with Jonathan Schanzer and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus March 28, 2024 Turkey’s Local Elections: Outcome and Implications The local elections may give the mistaken impression that they are less important in outcome than the national. This could not be further than the truth, as Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) suffered a resounding defeat across the entire country. The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) delivered its best electoral performance since 1977, and denied Erdogan the ability to win back major cities across the country, including Istanbul and Ankara. March 21, 2024 Exploring the Potential of a U.S. Cyber Force Late last year, the commander of U.S. Cyber Command observed that the current state of U.S. military cyber organization is unsustainable. Bipartisan members of Congress have for a decade expressed deep concern about the inability of the existing military services to recruit, train, and equip sufficient personnel to meet growing cyber challenges. America’s cyber force generation system is clearly broken. FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation is releasing a comprehensive report that explores the viability of establishing an independent cyber service: U.S. Cyber Force. March 5, 2024 Fortifying Cyber-Physical Resilience: Recommendations from the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology Physical systems in U.S. critical infrastructure have become reliant on digital technology for an array of functions, from safety to operation to communication. Hackers understand now more than ever that the impacts of a digital attack can proliferate to interconnected physical components, causing widespread systemic failure. The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) issued a report to address these issues, highlighting the need to build systems that that are resilient against cyberattacks so that the operational impacts of incidents are minimized. March 4, 2024 Turkey: A Sanctuary for Terrorist Entities & Illicit Finance Under the rule of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ankara has offered safe harbor to Hamas leadership, allowing the terror organization to raise and transfer funds, recruit members, and coordinate regional activities. February 29, 2024 Expanding the Anti-Corruption Toolkit: FEPA and Beyond FDD and Transparency International-US host a conversation with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) to discuss the recent passage of the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (or "FEPA"), how the legislation can best be leveraged against corrupt regimes, and what comes next in the fight against global corruption and kleptocracy. February 20, 2024 Iran’s Nuclear Weapons Program: Previewing the March 4-8 IAEA Board Meeting FDD's panel reviews the current status of Iran's nuclear program, including its timeline to nuclear weapons and weaponization capabilities, discuss ways in which Tehran could use the conflict in the Middle East to sprint to nuclear weapons, evaluate U.S. and European responses to Iran’s nuclear escalation, and provide policy recommendations for Washington and allies in Europe and beyond. February 15, 2024 Strengthening America’s Asian Border: A Discussion with Northern Marianas Governor Arnold Palacios The Northern Marianas is part of the United States but exists in a strategic environment unlike anywhere else in America. Sharing a maritime boundary with Japan, the Northern Marianas hosted a strategic air base for America’s operations in World War II. The frontline between the People’s Republic of China’s influence operations and America’s strategic positioning are at a significant crossroads. February 7, 2024 Eastern Mediterranean at a Crossroads: The Future of Regional Integration and Alliances The Eastern Mediterranean – a nexus for trade and culture, rich in resources, and home to many Western allies – is embroiled in complex geopolitical dynamics, only exacerbated by Russia’s War against Ukraine and the aftermath of the attacks of October 7, 2023. What can be done to forge ahead? Who are the “spoilers” in getting such cooperation back on track? February 1, 2024 Israeli Security: The Northern Threat and Other Challenges Ahead The Islamic Republic of Iran’s proxy strategy to build a network of armed groups on Israel’s borders to create instability and foment terrorism is on full display in the region. Despite the war in Israel’s south raging on, the looming threat of Hezbollah in the north cannot be ignored. Equipped with decades of Iranian funding, arms, training, and coordination, is this the next warfront to break out on Israel’s borders? What challenges is Israel facing as it settles into what seems to be a long-haul war that may only be just starting to heat up? What would a war with Hezbollah mean for Israel and its defense capabilities? How would a multi-front war impact Washington and our allied nations’ involvement in the war? To explore these questions, FDD will host a panel discussion with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus, former international spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces and a member of the Israel Defense and Security Forum; Eyal Hulata, FDD Senior International Fellow and former Israeli National Security Advisor and head of Israeli National Security Council; and Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD's Center on Military and Political Power. The conversation will be moderated by Anna Schecter, Senior Producer in the NBC News Investigations Unit. February 1, 2024 Victory and Defeat in Ukraine: A Conversation with Assistant Secretary of Defense Celeste Wallander Ukrainians continue to fight hard to defend their homes and defeat the Russian invasion, but the future is uncertain. The Ukrainian counteroffensive has not gone as well as many hoped and congressional delay is hampering the administration’s efforts to provide Kyiv the weapons and munitions it needs. As we look ahead in the region, there are a lot of questions being raised. To answer these and more FDD’s CMPP hosts Dr. Celeste Wallander, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. CMPP Senior Director Bradley Bowman will moderate the conversation.

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