Motivations and Costs to Contest Uses of Space
[Q3] What are the motivations of nation-state and non-state actors (e.g., violent extremists, etc.) to contest use of space in times of peace, instability, and conflict? What are the political, military, environmental, or social costs associated with acting on those motivations? A Virtual Think Tank (ViTTa)® Report. Author(s): Dr. John Stevenson (NSI, Inc.) Summary Response […]
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(Outer) Space: An Exploration of Definitional Issues
[Q1] Are there any contentious space terms or definitions, or are there any noticeable disagreements amongst space communities about appropriate terminologies and/or appropriate definitions for terms? What are the common understandings and uses of space-related terms, definitions, classes and typologies of infrastructure and access? For example, how do we define different classes of space users […]
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Commercial Space Industry for Military Purposes
[Q7] Are other nations outside the West poised to tap into their own commercial space industry for military purposes in the next 5-10 years?. A Virtual Think Tank (ViTTa)® Report. Author(s): Dr. Belinda Bragg (NSI, Inc.) Summary Response Background All the experts who contributed to this question noted that it begins from the incorrect assumption […]
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Space Services Among Actors Without Space Capabilities
Approaches to Space-Based Information Services Among Actors Without Space Capabilities. A Virtual Think Tank (ViTTa)® Report. Author(s): Dr. Belinda Bragg (NSI, Inc.) What is ViTTa®? NSI’s Virtual Think Tank (ViTTa®) provides rapid response to critical information needs by pulsing our global network of subject matter experts (SMEs) to generate a wide range of expert insight.For […]
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Strategic Implications of PRC’s Base in Djibouti
Question (R5.6): What are the strategic implications of the People’s Republic of China (PRC’s) new base in Djibouti? What will be the effect on the Iran-PRC relationship? Author | Editor: S. Canna (NSI, Inc,). Executive Summary Background There are a number of legitimate reasons that account for China’s decision to break with decades of tradition […]
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Extent of Iran’s Ability to Influence Iraqi Elections
Question (R5.3): How much influence can Iran wield in the next Iraqi election? Author | Editor: S. Canna (NSI, Inc,). Executive Summary Overview of Electoral System Iraq is a parliamentary democracy and, as the April 2018 elections approach, political jockeying for votes and influence has already begun. Iraq has a unicameral house called the Council […]
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Multi-Step Approach Closing DoD’s Cognitive Capability Gap
A Cognitive Capabilities Agenda: A Multi-Step Approach for Closing DoD’s Cognitive Capability Gap. Author | Editor: A. Astorino-Courtois (NSI, Inc,). Executive Summary The Strategic Multi-Layer Assessment (SMA) team conducted a year-long project for USSOCOM on the growing prevalence of Competition Short of Armed Conflict (CSAC), or use of “Gray Zone” tactics by US adversaries. Key […]
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Gulf Cooperation Council Stability & Influence
Question (R5.5): How stable is the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and to what extent can the United States rely on the GCC to influence foreign policy objectives in the region? What are the implications of the changing dynamics between GCC members? Author | Editor: W. Aviles (NSI, Inc,). Executive Summary The Qatari crisis that is […]
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Evolution of US Foreign Policy in Middle East
Question R5.4: How should United States foreign policy evolve in the region post-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria? What are the dynamics in the region and what will be the implications of this for the USG? Author | Editor: P. DeGennaro (TRADOC G-27) & S. Canna (NSI, Inc,). Executive Summary US foreign policy makers struggle […]
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Risks of Security Outpacing Diplomacy in Syria & Iraq
Question (R5.2): What are the risks associated with the security situation in Syria/Iraq outpacing diplomatic progress and policy in the region? What should be done about it? Author | Editor: S. Canna (NSI, Inc,). Executive Summary Our experts noted that we cannot say with certainty what the future security environment will look like in the […]
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