Rethinking Communication Influence from a Strategic Communication Approach
Rethinking Communication Influence from a Strategic Communication Approach Authors | Editors: Lieber, P. (US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Joint Special Operations University (JSOU)); Canna, S. (NSI, Inc.) Executive Summary For over a decade, many within US defense and interagency circles maintain a belief they are ‘losing’ the communication influence battle, one its adversaries are excelling at due to seemingly better strategy […]
Continue ReadingAntecedents of Organizational Sophistication in Violent Non-State Actors in the USCENTCOM AOR
“Antecedents of Organizational Sophistication in Violent Non-State Actors in the USCENTCOM AOR” Speaker: Logan, M. (University of Nebraska, Omaha) Date: 10 January 2020 Speaker Session Preview SMA hosted a speaker session presented by Mr. Michael Logan (University of Nebraska, Omaha) as a part of its SMA DHS CAOE Speaker Series. Mr. Logan’s presentation focused on his dissertation, wherein he measured the organizational sophistication of 280 […]
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Are They “Ticking Time Bombs?” Children and Terrorism
Speaker: Dr. Mia Bloom (Georgia State University) Date: 9 January 2020 Speaker Session Preview SMA hosted a speaker session presented by Dr. Mia Bloom (Georgia State University) as a part of its SMA CENTCOM Population Dynamics Speaker Series. During her brief, Dr. Bloom spoke about the roles of women and children in terrorist networks. She explained that each terrorist group’s methods of exploiting […]
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Complex Adaptive Systems
“Complex Adaptive Systems“ Author | Editor: Lawson, S. (University of Utah); Canna, S. (NSI, Inc.) Executive Summary In his interview with Lt Col David Lyle (US Air Force Academy) on 4 June 2019, Dr. Sean Lawson discusses how complexity might inform SMA’s Future of Global Competition & Conflict study. More specifically, Dr. Lawson argues that although it […]
Continue ReadingDiscrete, Specified, Assigned, and Bounded Problems: The Appropriate Areas for AI Contributions to National Security
“Discrete, Specified, Assigned, and Bounded Problems: The Appropriate Areas for AI Contributions to National Security“ Author | Editor: Rogers, Z. (Flinders University of South Australia); Canna, S. (NSI, Inc.) Executive Summary The cluster of technologies associated with artificial intelligence (AI) research and development, and the implications of these technologies across the spectrum of human activity […]
Continue ReadingThe Drivers of Grievance and Unrest in the World’s Populations: Understanding Instability, Terrorism, and Migration
Speaker: Dr. Lawrence Kuznar (NSI, Inc.) Date: 20 December 2019 Speaker Session Preview SMA hosted a speaker session presented by Dr. Lawrence Kuznar (NSI, Inc.) as a part of its SMA CENTCOM Population Dynamics Speaker Series. During his presentation, Dr. Kuznar discussed his team’s findings regarding the drivers of grievance and unrest among the world’s populations, particularly as they […]
Continue ReadingContextualizing the Gray Rhino: The Central American “Cycle of Violence” as a Catalyst to Migration
“Contextualizing the Gray Rhino: The Central American ‘Cycle of Violence’ as a Catalyst to Migration“ Speaker: Cooley, S. (Oklahoma State University) Date: 13 December 2019 Speaker Session Preview SMA hosted a speaker session presented by Dr. Skye Cooley (Oklahoma State University) as a part of its SMA DHS CAOE Speaker Series. During his presentation, Dr. Cooley discussed his and his colleague, Dr. […]
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Chinese Strategic Intentions: A Deep Dive into China’s Worldwide Activities
“Chinese Strategic Intentions: A Deep Dive into China’s Worldwide Activities” Authors | Editors: Allen, G. (Center for a New American Security (CNAS)); Astorino-Courtois, A. (NSI, Inc.); Beckley, M. (Tufts University); Bragg, B. (NSI, Inc.); Bremseth, L.R. (Computer Systems Center Incorporated (CSCI)); Cheng, D. (Heritage Foundation); Cooley, S. (Oklahoma State University); Copeland, D. (University of Virginia); DeFranco, […]
Continue ReadingInvesting In Bad Governance: China and Latin America
“Investing In Bad Governance: China and Latin America “ Author | Editor: Perera, F. (William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies); Canna, S. (NSI, Inc.) Executive Summary Though there have been many reports of the strengthening of commercial and financial relations between Latin America and China, comparatively few explore the conditions within the countries […]
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Violent Extremist Organizations (VEOs): The Strategic Importance of Defining the Enemy
“Violent Extremist Organizations (VEOs): The Strategic Importance of Defining the Enemy” Author | Editor: Liebl, V. (Center for Advanced Operational Culture Learning (CAOCL)); Canna, S. (NSI, Inc.) Executive Summary In this paper, as part of SMA’s Invited Perspectives series, Mr. Vern Liebl indicates that ‘violent extremist organization’ (VEO) may not be an accurate term for […]
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