Erin Banc is a security and political risk analyst specialising in defence, geopolitical competition, emerging technologies, and contemporary warfare. She also serves as the Chief Communications Officer of Atlas Institute for International Affairs. Her research focuses on AI-enabled warfare, autonomous systems, hybrid warfare, and the strategic competition between major powers.
Her analysis examines how shifts in military technology, great-power competition, and evolving security environments are reshaping contemporary conflict and international security.
The Autonomous Battlefield: How Technology Is Reshaping Modern Warfare
The character of warfare is changing rapidly. The proliferation of drones, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence and advanced robotics is transforming how military operations are conducted, while lowering the technological and…
The Industrial Frontline of Great-Power Competition
Modern warfare is increasingly defined not by technological superiority alone, but by the ability to industrialise and sustain military production at scale. As conflicts from Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific demonstrate,…
China’s Intelligent Military Transformation: Implications for Regional Security and Deterrence
Beijing’s push for intelligent systems is reshaping regional security. The nation's accelerating shift towards intelligent and AI-enabled warfare is remodelling the strategic balance across the Indo-Pacific. As autonomous systems, networked…
Sino-Russian Defence Ties in a Multipolar World: Shared Goals, Limited Trust, and Strategic Implications
Analysing the drivers and constraints of Russia-China defence cooperation in contemporary international security In 2026, the defence and security cooperation between Russia and China continues to attract attention as a…
Securing Their Own Path: Defence and Security Strategies of the Western Balkans in an Era of Great Power Competition
Navigating strategic hedging, defence modernisation, and differentiated integration in a multipolar landscape In 2026, the Western Balkans are undergoing a quiet but important evolution in how they perceive and pursue…
AI Arms Race: How Autonomous Systems Are Reshaping Deterrence and Escalation Dynamics
Imagine a conflict where thousands of low-cost drones overwhelm sophisticated air defence technologies. Or where an AI system identifies a target, confirms and strikes within seconds, all while commanders are still…
The Black Sea in 2026: From Contested Waters to Strategic Opportunity – A Policy Framework for NATO and the EU
Unlocking the Black Sea’s potential by reducing risks and realizing strategic gains. The Black Sea has transformed from a peripheral corridor into one of Europe’s most critical strategic theaters. Russia’s…
Securing the Strait After the Storm: Policy Options for a GCC-Led Maritime Defence Coalition in the 2026 Hormuz Crisis
Recommendations for a GCC-Led maritime coalition, layered deterrence, and cross-regional lessons from the Black Sea As Iranian disruptions continue to paralyse shipping through the Strait of Hormuz in April 2026,…
NATO’s Eastern Sentry Meets the Black Sea: Romania’s Push for a Dedicated Mission and the Rising Hybrid Risks to Energy Infrastructure and Investments
Romania drives Black Sea Sentry to safeguard Neptun Deep On the 19th of March 2026, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Romanian President Nicușor Dan stood together in Brussels and…