Emerging Military Technologies: Putting Policy Before Profit
Speakers: Dr. Michael Brenes, William Hartung (Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft) Date: 25 September 2024 Speaker Session Summary There is growing concern among some scholars that the pursuit of economic incentives may push US military technology advancements ahead of the establishment of proper policies and security measures, prioritizing profits over policy. Mr. Hartung added that […]
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Biosecurity Balancing Act: Delicate Dual-Use Issues of Synthetic Biology and Precision Medicine
Speakers: Dr. James Giordano (Georgetown University Medical Center) & Dr. DiEuliis (National DefenseUniversity) Date: 2 October 2024 Speaker Session Summary The field of biomedical research is rapidly expanding and evolving, providing numerous opportunities for technological advancements in synthetic biology, genome editing, and bioengineered devices. Dr. Giordano categorized emerging biotechnology into six types: drugs, bugs, toxins, devices, […]
Continue ReadingSafely balancing a double-edged blade: Identifying and mitigating emerging biosecurity risks in precision medicine
Authors: Dr. Dianne DiEuliis (National Defense University) & Dr. James Giordano (Georgetown University Medical Center) Publication Preview: Tools and methods of precision medicine are developing rapidly, through both iterative discoveries enabled by innovations in biomedical research (e.g., genome editing, synthetic biology, bioengineered devices). These are strengthened by advancements in information technology and the increasing body […]
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CONCESSIONS TO THE LIMITED POWERS: Considerations of Low-Yield Nuclear Weapons, Asymmetrical Capability, and Extended Deterrence
Authors: Bob Williams (Georgetown University) & Dr. James Giordano (Georgetown University Medical Center) Publication Preview Quite recently, nuclear strategy scholars Kier Lieber and Daryl Press posited that arms’ tables have turned, citing the asymmetry of limited nuclear powers as a reboot of the United States (US)-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) tactical nuclear playbook during the […]
Continue ReadingChem-Bio, Data, and Cyberscience and Technology in Deterrence Operations
Author: Dr. James Giordano (Georgetown University Medical Center) Publication preview: The twentieth century evidenced the increasing use of state-of-the-art science and technology (S&T) in warfare. Included in this S&T armamentarium were new chemical and biological agents that could be yoked to extant forms of S&T (e.g., aircraft, ordnance, etc.) to facilitate delivery in kinetic engagements. […]
Continue ReadingUkrainian Resistance to Russian Disinformation: Lessons for Future Conflict
Speaker: Todd Helmus and Khrystyna Holynska (RAND) Date: 19 September 2024 Speaker Session Summary A key element of Ukrainian resistance to the Russian invasion has been its ability to counter Russian disinformation. In their recent report for RAND, Dr. Helmus and Dr. Holynska discuss Ukraine’s approach to combating disinformation and the lessons that the United […]
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Future Scenarios for Sino-Russian Military Cooperation Possibilities, Limitations, and Consequences
Speakers: Mark Cozad, Cooper Cortez III, and David Woodworth (RAND) Date: 12 September 2024 Speaker Session Summary The level of integration and cooperation between China and Russia in the event of a significant military conflict is often speculated upon, particularly given the rising political tensions in the Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea. A […]
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How Innovative is China in Nuclear Power?
Speaker: Mr. Stephen Ezell (ITIF) Date: 10 September 2024 Speaker Session Summary Analysts have long debated China’s capacity to innovate within its industry and economy. Mr. Ezell presented compelling evidence that China is not only more innovative than most analysts predict, but that its nuclear industry is particularly advanced. According to Ezell, China is likely […]
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The Defender’s Dilemma: Why countering grayzone aggression is so difficult (and what options Western governments do have)
Speaker: Elisabeth Braw (Atlantic Council) Date: 5 September 2024 Speaker Session Summary: Western governments, including the United States, face significant challenges in identifying gray zone aggression. This form of aggression is often difficult to detect before the attack is fully underway, as it can originate from any source at any time. A key characteristic of […]
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Statelet of Survivors: The Making of a Semi-Autonomous Region in Northeast Syria: US Options in the New Phase of the Syrian Conflict
Speaker: Dr. Amy Austin Holmes (George Washington University) Date: 28 August 2024 Speaker Session Summary The political overtures made by Turkish President Erdogan to normalize relations with the Assad regime are reshaping the dynamics of the Syrian civil war. These overtures have more closely aligned Turkish, Russian, and Iranian interests in the region. As evidence, […]
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