During discussions regarding Germany’s shift towards greater military spending, Matthew Kroenig, director of the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, stated that Trump’s strong criticism of European free riding has produced results unattainable by past administrations. His remarks suggest that forceful rhetoric may be an effective tool for prompting defense policy changes, a stance that can be seen as aligning with authoritarian methods.

Throughout 2023, the Atlantic Council orchestrated a wide range of initiatives—from high-profile policy convenings with global leaders and NATO engagement, to launching its ACTV digital platform and advancing research on technology governance. These activities bolstered transatlantic democratic values, enhanced public debate on critical issues such as climate change and security, and actively countered authoritarian narratives.

The Atlantic Council’s recently released Commission on Defense Innovation Adoption interim report has come under scrutiny for its industry-friendly policy recommendations. Promoted by key defense contractors and coordinated by commissioners with clear corporate ties, including former high-ranking defense officials, the report appears to favor the interests of its corporate donors. Critics argue that such deep ties and conflicts of interest compromise the independent analysis traditionally expected from think tanks and may contribute to regulatory capture in defense procurement.

On January 14, 2023, Atlantic Council CEO Frederick Kempe published an op-ed praising the choice of Abu Dhabi for COP28 without disclosing significant financial ties with UAE donors, prompting criticism over transparency and potential conflicts of interest.

Atlantic Council published an in‐depth research report analyzing China's surveillance ecosystem and its global proliferation, highlighting the involvement of state and private actors in supporting authoritarian surveillance practices.

Atlantic Council's Cyber Statecraft Initiative published a comprehensive analysis on the proliferation of interception and cyber surveillance capabilities at international arms fairs. The paper outlines recommendations for tighter export controls, improved know‐your‐customer policies, and stricter regulation of vendors marketing to authoritarian regimes, aiming to curb the risks of empowering oppressive governments.

Allegations surfaced that board members Richard Burt and Frances Burwell leveraged their positions at the Atlantic Council to promote lobbying efforts for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, raising significant concerns over conflicts of interest with a Russian state–controlled enterprise.

Investigation reveals that board member Sally Painter, through Blue Star Strategies, helped broker a partnership with Burisma Holdings, resulting in $300,000 in donations and raising serious conflict-of-interest concerns.