The Latest
Our Programs
The Defense, Emerging Technology and Strategy Program focuses on defense policy issues, security strategy execution, and new technologies that have emerged as pivotal to the future of international security, with a focus on space, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and synthetic biotech.
The Arctic Initiative integrates insights from cutting-edge scientific research, Indigenous knowledge, and policy analysis, to improve understanding of Arctic climate change; develop responsive policies and actions; and train the next generation of interdisciplinary Arctic experts and leaders.
The Middle East Initiative provides topical timely analysis on energy, diplomacy, foreign conflict resolution and more.
The Applied History Project promotes the use of historical reasoning to illuminate current challenges and choices in both the public and private sectors.
The Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program brings science and technology into the design of public policy, exploring some of the world's most challenging problems - from nuclear negotiations with Iran to privacy concerns about big data.
The Intelligence Project is building a new generation of practitioners serving a rapidly changing world, focusing on history, geopolitics, and emerging technologies, linking intelligence agencies with Belfer researchers, faculty and students to enrich education and support public policy decision-making.
The Project on Managing the Atom conducts and disseminates both timeless and topical policy-relevant research on nuclear weapons, nuclear energy, and nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
The Environment and Natural Resources Program examines cutting-edge issues at the intersection of environmental, climate, and science policy considerations, conducting policy-relevant research on energy technologies, grid decarbonization, hydrogen, biofuels, and climate finance.
The Geopolitics of Energy Project explores the intersection of energy, security, and international politics. The project aims to improve understanding of how energy demand and supply shape international politics – and vice versa.
The Africa Futures Project drives debate and research on critical issues of African politics and governance; climate change and the global energy transition; conflict and security; and geopolitics as they shape our collective future.
The International Security Program addresses the most pressing threats to U.S. national interests and international security, supports supports young scholars with its fellowship program and sponsors and edits the quarterly journal International Security.
This is just a sampling of the Belfer Center's research programs, projects, and special initiatives. To explore more about our various research programs, visit our Programs page.
Listen to World Review: a Podcast with with Ivo Daalder
Each Friday, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Ivo Daalder brings together leading journalists and experts to break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what comes next.
A Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs podcast from Harvard Kennedy School.
Intelligence
-
ArticleManaging the Dangers of Iran's Remaining Nuclear Capabilities
From International Security Program
-
Event Summary
Intelligence Skills in the Past, Present and Future
War in Ukraine
-
ArticleCorporations in the Crosshairs: Commercial Actors, Conflict Escalation, and Crisis Simulation
From International Security Program
Nuclear power
-
Article
Structure Amid Change: The Global Nuclear Order And The Soviet Collapse
From Managing the Atom
U.S. Foreign Policy
-
ArticleOffense–Defense Balance and Sanctions Backfire: A Theory of US Sanctions Doctrines
From International Security Program
-
Event Summary
The New Geopolitics of Energy: Foreign Policy Live
Interest Areas
Our research spans a variety of key issues across the globe, at the nexus of science and international affairs
Middle East & North Africa
-
Article
Offense–Defense Balance and Sanctions Backfire: A Theory of US Sanctions Doctrines
From International Security Program
-
Reports & Papers
A Theory of Everything for the Middle East Political Economy
Artificial Intelligence
-
Reports & PapersData Centers and Large-Scale Electric Growth: The Virginia and Texas Experiences
From Environment and Natural Resources
-
Explainer
AI for Diplomats
Energy
-
Q&ACarbon Pricing and Climate Policy: A Conversation with Yale Professor Ken Gillingham
From Harvard Project on Climate Agreements
Science & Technology
-
Reports & PapersMove Fast and Scale: A Brief Insiders' History of the Replicator Initiative
From Defense, Emerging Technology, and Strategy
-
Explainer
The New Space Race
Belfer in the News
Our experts contribute to the news with critical, timely insight and perspective
-
In The NewsDoes the UN Have a Seat at the AI Table?
-
-
-
-
-
-
In The NewsAmerica’s Way of War isn’t Working
-
Applied History: What History Can and Cannot Tell Leaders
Applied History helps illuminate some of today’s most pressing policy questions. In May 2026, the Belfer Reading Brief offers a point of entry into these critical debates, using history to support policymakers going forward.
Explore the Belfer Reading Brief on Applied History