Denying the Seeds of Future Conflict
Question (R6.1): What conditions (demographic, political, etc.) should exist on the ground in the Middle Euphrates River Valley and the tri border (Syria/Jordan/Iraq) region to deny the seeds of future conflict from being planted – particularly taking into account the assumed intention of Iranian proxy forces to establish a Shia “land bridge?” Which of these […]
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Competition Short of Armed Conflict with a Regional Power
Question (R6.7): Are there examples from US history of competition short of open conflict1 with a regional power? What lessons exist that may be applied to resolving competing US/Iran objectives short of open conflict? Which examples are most relevant—pre- or post-World War II? Author | Editor: Polansky (Pagano), S. (NSI, Inc.) Executive Summary The experts […]
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Global Power Competition
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
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
[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(s): Dr. John Stevenson (NSI, Inc.) Summary Response Upon considering the question of focus, several expert contributors argue that it is confusing or even […]
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Effectiveness of International Agreements in Space
[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(s): Dr. John Stevenson (NSI, Inc.) Summary Response The expert contributors divided nearly evenly […]
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Commercial Space Actors: Disruptors or Solid Partners
[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(s): Dr. Allison Astorino-Courtois (NSI, Inc.) and Dr. Belinda Bragg (NSI, Inc.) Summary Response There was considerable […]
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Bio Threats Panel Discussion
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
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
[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(s): George Popp (NSI, Inc.) Summary Response This report summarizes the input of 15 insightful responses contributed by space experts from National […]
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