Global Power Competition

March 2018 No Comments

Question (R6.2): In the event that the US/Coalition is challenged by another global power [Russia for the purposes of this response], what are the second and third order effects in the USCENTCOM area of responsibility? Author | Editor: Jafri, A. (NSI, Inc). Executive Summary As Russia continues to challenge United States’ power and influence around […]

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Terrorism and Technological Innovation: The High Tech / Low Tech Paradox

March 2018 No Comments

Terrorism and Technological Innovation: The High Tech / Low Tech Paradox Panel Discussion Speakers: Braniff, B. (University of Maryland START); Ligon, G. (University of Nebraska, Omaha); Rassler, D. (Counterterrorism Center [CTC]) Date: 28 February 2018 Speaker Session Preview SMA hosted a panel discussion as a part of its SMA DHS NCTC CENTCOM START Speaker Series, […]

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Principles of Response to Aggression in Space

February 2018 No Comments

[Q18] What are the principles (e.g., flexible vs. controlled response; proportionality, etc.) upon which international policy makers should develop response options for aggression in space? A Virtual Think Tank (ViTTa)® Report. Author | Editor: Stevenson, J. (NSI, Inc). Summary Response Upon considering the question of focus, several expert contributors argue that it is confusing or […]

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Effectiveness of International Agreements in Space

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[Q22] Can international agreements effectively protect high-value space assets in time of crisis and/or conflict? How could such a treaty be sufficiently verified? How would it be enforced? How would dual- use technologies be treated? A Virtual Think Tank (ViTTa)® Report. Author | Editor: Stevenson, J. (NSI, Inc). Summary Response The expert contributors divided nearly […]

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Commercial Space Actors: Disruptors or Solid Partners

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[Q12] Will major commercial space entities likely serve as disruptors or solid partners in terms of state national security interests? In the short-term (5-10 years), mid-term (15-20 years), and long-term (25+ years)? A Virtual Think Tank (ViTTa)® Report. Author | Editor: Astorino-Courtois, A. & Bragg, B. (NSI, Inc). Summary Response There was considerable variation in […]

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Bio Threats Panel Discussion

February 2018 No Comments

Bio Threats Panel Discussion Speakers: Ackerman, G. (University of Maryland START); Earnhardt, R. (University of Maryland START); Gronvall, G. (Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins University); Casagrande, R. (Gryphon Scientific) Date: 23 February 2018 Speaker Session Preview This speaker session covered the environment in which non-state actor adversaries are currently operating and how that […]

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Blame, Sway, and Vigilante Tactics

February 2018 No Comments

Blame, Sway, and Vigilante Tactics: How Other Cultures Think Differently and Implications for Planning Speakers: Sutherlin, G. (Geographic Services, Inc.), Lai, T. (British Army), Martin, M. (5th MISB(A)), Sadiq, A. (University of Central Florida) Date: 20 February 2018 Speaker Session Preview SMA hosted a panel discussion as a part of its SMA CENTCOM Speaker Series, […]

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Strategic Risk in the Space Domain

February 2018 No Comments

[Q16] Which international actors currently have the greatest strategic risk in the space domain? What affordable non-space alternatives are there to mitigate or avoid that strategic risk? A Virtual Think Tank (ViTTa)® Report. Author | Editor: Popp, G. (NSI, Inc,). Summary Response This report summarizes the input of 15 insightful responses contributed by space experts […]

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Is US Success Contingent on Dominance in Every Domain

February 2018 No Comments

[Q17] As we move into multi-domain conflicts will our success hinge on being successful in every domain or can we lose in one and still be successful in the overall campaign? A Virtual Think Tank (ViTTa)® Report. Author | Editor: Pagano, S. (NSI, Inc,). Summary Response Contributors were varied in their responses, with approximately half […]

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National Security Implications of Space-Launch Innovation

January 2018 No Comments

[Q13] What are the national security implications of increasingly accessible and affordable commercial launch services? Are these the same for the US and near-peers or states with emergent space capabilities? A Virtual Think Tank (ViTTa)® Report. Author | Editor: Stevenson, J. & Popp, G. (NSI, Inc,). Summary Response The experts solicited in this effort agree […]

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