Building a Strategic Framework for Tailored Deterrence of China in Space
Speaker: Dr. Krista Langeland (RAND) Date: 13 June 2023 Speaker Session Summary The US Armed Forces must bolster their warfighting capabilities in space to better deter aggressive Chinese activities in the domain. US-China competition in space can be expected to increase because China views US space activities and capabilities as a roadblock for achieving its […]
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Using a Nuclear Security & Nonproliferation Approach to Reduce US-PRC Escalation Risks in a DPRK Collapse Scenario
Speaker: Dr. Justin Anderson (NDU) Date: 8 June 2023 Speaker Session Summary Despite the deep freeze in US-China relations, the US and China have mutual interests that could reduce risk in a future DPRK regime collapse scenario. The US and China have prior experience successfully collaborating on nonproliferation initiatives, including standards for nuclear facilities and […]
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The Ukrainian Army is Leveraging Online Influencers. Can the U.S. Military?
Speaker: Dr. Todd Helmus (RAND) Date: 6 June 2023 Speaker Session Summary The war in Ukraine has demonstrated how cooperation between a country’s military and prominent social media influencers can be a useful tool for harnessing narrative control relating to conflicts. Dr. Helmus argued that Ukraine has been out-performing Russia in its ability to create […]
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A Restraint Approach to U.S. China Policy
Speaker: Michael Swaine (Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft) Date: 1 June 2023 Speaker Session Summary Although the US-China competition has global economic and political implications, it is still primarily focused on the Asia-Pacific region. If this strategic competition escalates to armed conflict, then it will become incredibly costly to both the US and China. Dr. […]
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Cold Peace: Avoiding the New Cold War
Speaker: Dr. Michael Doyle (Columbia University) Date: 31 May 2023 Speaker Session Summary US and China are considered by many analysts and scholars to be in a second Cold War. Dr. Doyle specified that there are four types of political relationships—hot war, cold war, cold peace, and warm peace. If countries are in a hot […]
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Russian Nuclear Orthodoxy: Religion, Coercion and the Russian Way of War
Speaker: Prof. Dmitry Adamsky (Reichman University) Date: 19 July 2023 Speaker Session Summary The Kremlin is blending its nuclear discourse, politics, and theological beliefs, changing the domestic perception in Russia regarding just nuclear war and nuclear escalation with the West. Prof. Adamsky stated that the Kremlin has been integrating the Russian Orthodox Church in its […]
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Ethical and National Security Implications of Genetic Weapons
Speaker: Dr. Yelena Biberman (Skidmore College; South Asia Center, Atlantic Council; Davis Center, Harvard University) Date: 24 May 2023 Speaker Session Summary SMA hosted a speaker session with Dr. Yelena Biberman (Skidmore College) as part of its SMA General Speaker Series. At times, biotechnology appears to blend science fiction and reality. The potential warfighting applications of biotechnology […]
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Cyber Persistence and National Security
Speaker: Dr. Michael Fischerkeller (IDA) Date: 23 May 2023 Speaker Session Summary SMA hosted a speaker session with Dr. Michael Fischerkeller (IDA) as part of its SMA STRATCOM Speaker Series. The cyber domain is an increasingly prevalent theater of competition, and the US must be able to effectively deter opponents using cyber tools and capabilities. Dr. Fischerkeller […]
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Credibility, Organizational Politics, and Crisis Decision Making
Speaker: Don Casler (Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, Brown University) Date: 17 May 2023 Speaker Session Summary SMA hosted a speaker session with Dr. Don Casler (Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, Brown University) as part of its SMA General Speaker Series. Civilian and military leaders have always been concerned about credibility and integrity. […]
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Quick Look: Food Security in USAFRICOM
Authors: Bragg, B. (NSI, Inc.) & Astorino-Courtois, A. (NSI, Inc.) This report was produced as part of SMA’s 2022-2023 “Anticipating the Future Operational Environment” (AFOE) Effort. Report Preview This report provides a concise, highly visual overview of the food security subsystem of the AECM (AFRICOM Exploitable Conditions Model). In addition to enabling analysis of causes […]
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