The Intersection of Technology, National Security, and Foreign Policy and Methods for Analysis
Certain technologies are developed because they address problems clearly related to national security, while others are developed primarily for commercial purposes. However, many commercial technologies have dual-utility for military, intelligence, or other national security- related applications. Technologies in either case can affect governments’ national security and foreign policies.
This course will explore, through short seminars and interactive case studies, how the emergence and evolution of technology can impact national security and how government policies and actions can influence its trajectory. The course will then cover methods that:
- identify emerging technologies and assess their dual-use applications
- develop technology prioritization and investment strategies to address capability gaps
- identify technologies that may have game-changing military applications; and
- envision plausible futures and the role of technologies in pathways to desirable and undesirable futures for the United States, its allies and partners, and its adversaries.
Students will develop a final paper that demonstrates facility with one or more of these methods with the technology of their choice.