NSI Live

The National Security Institute (NSI) and the Center for the National Interest (CFTNI) hosted an important discussion on cybersecurity challenges in telecom networks, with a particular focus on the SALT Typhoon threat actor and its broader implications for U.S. national security.As cyber-enabled threats continue to evolve, state-sponsored actors like SALT Typhoon are increasingly targeting critical communications infrastructure, posing significant risks to both national defense and economic security. This timely conversation brought together industry leaders, and cybersecurity experts to examine how the United States can public-private collaboration to mitigate threats and build a more secure and resilient telecom ecosystem.The event will begin with opening remarks from Congressman Jim Himes, Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, followed by a panel discussion with key voices from the cybersecurity and policy communities.Keynote:Congressman Jim Himes (D-CT, 4), Ranking Member, House Permanent Select Committee on IntelligencePanelists:Edward G. Amoroso, Founder and CEO, TAG InfosphereKelli Andrews, Senior Director for Cybersecurity and Lawful Access Policy, MicrosoftJamil Jaffer, Founder and Executive Director, NSIRich Mason, President and Chief Security Officer, Critical Infrastructure, LLCModerator:Paul Saunders, President, Center for the National Interest Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NSI and the Embassies of Estonia, Denmark, and Norway hosted an important discussion on transatlantic security challenges featuring senior diplomatic leaders. His Excellency Kristjan Prikk, Ambassador of Estonia to the United States; Ambassador Stig P. Piras, Deputy Chief of Mission of Denmark to the United States; and Ambassador Bård Ivar Svendsen, Deputy Chief of Mission of Norway to the United States provided insights on protecting the rules-based international order, countering hybrid threats, and supporting nations defending their sovereignty. As geopolitical tensions rose, exacerbated by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the conversation explored recent examples of hybrid warfare tactics used by authoritarian regimes and the strategic steps needed to bolster transatlantic resilience.The event began with opening remarks from NSI Senior Fellow Andrew Borene, followed by a keynote statement from Ambassador Kristjan Prikk, who provided Estonia’s perspective on the evolving security landscape. A panel discussion followed, featuring Ambassador Prikk, Ambassador Stig P. Piras, and Ambassador Bård Ivar Svendsen, moderated by Martha Miller, NSI Deputy Executive Director. Guest Speakers:Ambassador Kristjan Prikk, Ambassador of Estonia to the United StatesAmbassador Stig P. Piras, Deputy Chief of Mission of Denmark to the United StatesAmbassador Bård Ivar Svendsen, Deputy Chief of Mission of Norway to the United StatesModerator: Martha Miller, NSI Deputy Executive DirectorHost: Andrew Borene, NSI Senior Fellow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NSI hosted a live podcast recording of the first episode of Coffee and Conflict! This new podcast is hosted by Joshua Huminski, Senior Vice President for National Security and Intelligence Programs at the Center for the Study of the Presidency & Congress and NSI Senior Fellow. Each episode of Coffee and Conflict features Joshua interviewing leading authors about their books on national security, foreign policy, and intelligence.The first episode of Coffee and Conflict featured Dmitri Alperovitch, Chairman of the Silverado Policy Accelerator, discussing his new book, World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century. Dmitri shared insights on what the U.S. needs to do to deter war with China and maintain America’s position as the world’s leading superpower.You can purchase a copy of World on the Brink here: https://worldonthebrink.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NSI hosted an event diving into the geopolitical, economic, and strategic implications of the growing partnership between Russia and Iran, which has led to increased cooperation, including military coordination, such as military transfers and defense technology exchanges, economic partnership, to even Russia providing cover for Iranian violations of international law in multilateral institutions.This event explored the motivations and goals driving Russia and Iran to grow closer, how the ongoing war in Ukraine and in the Middle East impacts their partnership, and the challenges – as well as opportunities – that their relationship presents for U.S. interests in the region.Panelists:Dr. Mark Katz – Professor Emeritus of Government and Politics, George Mason University, Schar School of Policy and GovernmentMartha Miller – Senior Fellow, National Security InstituteDr. Ray Takeyh – Hasib J. Sabbagh Senior Fellow for Middle East Studies, Council on Foreign RelationsBehnam Ben Taleblu – Senior Fellow, Foundation for Defense of DemocraciesModerator:Andrew Borene – Former Senior Officer, Office of the Director of National Intelligence Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NSI Cyber and Tech Center hosted an event exploring generative AI and its vast implications for U.S. national security. We explored the opportunities and challenges AI poses for our national security and defense community – including the military, intelligence agencies, and other security stakeholders. It also analyzed how the U.S. can continue to promote AI innovation and defend against AI threats.Speakers: Paul Lekas, Head of Global Public Policy, Software & Information Industry AssociationKatrina M. Mulligan, National Security Policy and Partnerships, OpenAIJamil N. Jaffer, Founder and Executive Director, National Security Institute (moderator) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NSI celebrated the bicentennial of the Monroe Doctrine, where we explored its historical roots, its evolving legacy, and its potential relevance to the modern geopolitical landscape.The Monroe Doctrine, which sought to halt foreign interference in the Western Hemisphere, has reemerged within the policymaking community as the United States seeks to develop an approach to respond to challengers from outside the Western Hemisphere – in particular, from China and its growing presence in the region. This event examined policies that promote and maintain U.S. economic and national security, as well as uphold wider regional security and stability.The event will began with keynote remarks by Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and was followed by a panel discussion with:Dr. Colin Dueck, Professor, George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and GovernmentAna Quintana-Lovett, former Staff Director, Western Hemisphere, the House Foreign Affairs CommitteeLiza Tobin, Senior Director of Research and Analysis of Economy, Special Competitive Studies ProjectLester Munson, NSI Senior Fellow and former Staff Director, Senate Committee Foreign Relations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NSI’s Cyber and Tech Center hosted a fireside chat featuring Representative Jay Obernolte (CA-23) and Royal Hansen, Google’s Vice President of Privacy, Safety, and Security Engineering, on March 5 from 12:15 to 1:15pm ET on Capitol Hill. Rep. Obernolte was recently announced as the Chairman of the new bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, which is tasked with ensuring America continues to lead the world in AI innovation while considering how to protect the nation against current and emerging threats. Royal is Google’s Vice President of Privacy, Safety and Security Engineering, where he leads the central engineering function that builds and scales the foundational technology that keeps billions of people safe online.Rep. Obernolte, and Royal discussed how AI can help defend the nation, including enable cyber defenders to better protect U.S. critical infrastructure from foreign cyber threats and cyber criminals. They will also address how to mitigate potential security risks associated with AI and how the U.S. can fully harness this new technology to empower our nation’s cyber defenders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NSI hosted an event to foster discussion around policy positions and recommendations found in its latest publication, Addressing the National Security Threat of Chinese Technology Innovation. This panel of experts expanded upon the policy solutions found in NSI’s latest paper and explain how the U.S. and our allies can lead in free-market innovation and what Congress can do to support and promote U.S. technological leadership. The panel discussion featured national security policy and industry experts and will take place in-person on Capitol Hill on November 2nd, 2023.Panelists:Carl Holshouser, Senior Vice President & Corporate Secretary, TechNetRobert Strayer, Executive Vice President of Policy Information Technology Industry CouncilLiza Tobin, Senior Director for Economy Special Competitive Studies ProjectJamil N. Jaffer, Founder & Executive Director, National Security Institute, Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As part of NSI’s ongoing series, “A Spotlight on China’s Global Repression,” we are excited to host a discussion examining how China uses economic tools, such as the Belt-and-Road Initiative, foreign direct investment, and debt diplomacy, to further the Chinese Communist Party’s repressive goals. Experts will outline the dangers these pose inside and outside China and how the U.S. can counter these global threats.Participants: Matthew P. Goodman, Senior Vice President for Economics, Center for Strategic and International StudiesThe Honorable Nazak Nakakhtar, Former Assistant Secretary for Industry & Analysis, Department of CommerceThe Honorable Randall G. Schriver, Former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-PacificLester Munson (moderator), Former Staff Director, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As part of NSI’s ongoing series, “A Spotlight on China’s Global Repression,” we are excited to host a discussion examining how China uses digital tools, such as social media platforms like WeChat and TikTok and its social credit system, to further the Chinese Communist Party’s repressive goals. Experts will outline the dangers these tactics pose inside and outside China and how the U.S. can counter these global threats.Participants:Geoffrey Cain, NSI Fellow, Senior Fellow, Lincoln NetworkLindsay Gorman, Senior Fellow, Emerging Technologies, Alliance for Securing Democracy, German Marshall FundYaqiu Wang, Senior China Researcher, Human Rights WatchSuzanne Wilson Heckenberg, NSI Advisory Board member, President of the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (moderator) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NSI held our inaugural cryptocurrency and blockchain technology event, “Crypto and National Security: How to Validate American Innovation and Verify U.S. National Security.” This event featured a panel of experts discussing critical U.S. national security policy opportunities and challenges related to crypto innovation and adoption.“Crypto and National Security” kicked off NSI’s year-long policy programming initiative focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology – an emerging and important area of policy and innovation. NSI will host a range of conversations throughout 2022 that bring leading experts together to discuss and analyze issues such as crypto’s implications for:U.S. leadership in tech and financial markets;Illicit finance and sanctions policy;Privacy and human rights at home and abroad; andOther key national security objectives.Participants:Jerry Brito, Executive Director, Coin CenterSheila Warren, Chief Executive Officer, Crypto Council for InnovationJuan Zarate, Global Co-Managing Partner & Chief Strategy Officer, K2 Integrity, and NSI Advisory Board MemberModerator: Laura Shin, Author of The Cryptopians and host of Unchained podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As geopolitical competition moves into the digital age, the United States and China find themselves locked in a battle for technological and innovation dominance. As China seeks to decrease their reliance on Western tech – including through Chinese industry’s theft of stolen U.S. technology and state financing by the CCP – how can the U.S. and American industry continue to lead in the years to come?Join NSI for this important discussion featuring Anja Manuel, co-founder and Principal at Rice, Hadley, Gates & Manuel LLC, and Nick Schifrin, Foreign Affairs Correspondent at PBS, which not only answered this question but dove into evolving U.S.-China relations and the implications of an ever transforming digital economy.As a special added treat, Nick Schifrin, having just returned from Ukraine, will also share his experiences on Russia's invasion of Ukraine and will discussthe relationship between Russia and China with Anja Manuel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NSI hosted Sarah Isgur, political commentator – including at The Dispatch and podcast host of Advisory Opinions – and former spokesperson for the Department of Justice, Lauren Claffey Tomlinson, former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security and now President of Claffey Communications, and Heather Molino, who has over two decades of Capitol Hill and communications experience, as well as a decade in broadcast journalism. Tal Kopan, Senior Political reporter and Washington correspondent for the SF Chronicle, moderated the event.These four powerful women in media drew from their extensive and diverse backgrounds to share their stories on how they get to where they are and what lessons they have for those interested in joining the national security and media ranks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NSI was honored to host Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division at the Department of Justice, to discuss how DoJ views the new range of threats emanating from nation-state actors, including from China, Iran, and others. AAG Olsen kicked off the event with remarks, which was then be followed by a fireside chat with John Lipsey, Director of Policy at NSI, to further discuss how to counter espionage, trade-secrets theft, and cybercrime cases – all of which pose significant dangers to U.S. economic and national security interests, as well as on American innovation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enes Kanter Freedom from the Boston Celtics, Joey Siu, an outspoken Hong Kong activist and Rep. Mike Gallagher (WI-08) joined us for a critical examination of China’s human rights violations happening in the Winter Olympics’ backyard. Josh Rogin from the Washington Post moderated the discussion, which highlighted how everyone can become an ally of the Uyghur community and pressure China now and beyond the Olympic games.All panelists have been outspoken critics of China’s genocide of the Uyghur community and the Chinese Communist Party’s repressive regime. Enes Kanter Freedom has publicly called on American Olympians to boycott this year’s Winter Games and has repeatedly pressured prominent corporation, Nike, to speak out on the genocide. Joey Siu, an exiled Hong Kong activist, led the push for the Biden Administration to announce a diplomatic boycott, which she argued was the first step in holding China accountable at the Winter Games. Rep. Mike Gallagher has been busy in Congress and a year ago, led the international effort with nine other countries to pressure the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to move the Winter Games from Beijing. When Chinese Olympian, Peng Shuai, went missing, Rep. Gallagher also introduced legislation that would sanction senior members of the IOC for being complicit, and called on the Biden Administration to take a stand as well. Josh Rogin has written numerous op-eds for the Washington Post that highlight the ongoing human rights atrocities China has been committing. Most recently his articles focus on the controversy of the Winter Games, and what athletes and lawmakers can do to protest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Tuesday, October 19, 2021, as part of NSI’s Tech Innovation and American National Security project, NSI hosted the third panel of a four-part series examining the national security implications of antitrust challenges at home and abroad. This third event took a look at how U.S. adversaries are addressing antitrust questions related to the tech industry as well as the implications of such efforts for our national security. Our panel features Maureen Ohlhausen, Matt Perault, and Alex Petros, and was moderated by NSI Founder and Executive Director, Jamil N. Jaffer.Adversarial nation-state governments, such as China’s, are known to bolster their own economy through government financing of certain private sector industries, including companies in the tech industry, in order to effectuate national goals, including national security related goals. In particular, while China has encouraged rapid growth in its domestic tech sector in a bid to challenge its biggest economic competitor—the United States—it has at times, placed a heavy regulatory hand on both foreign and domestic tech companies, including using the levers of antitrust policy at home. China’s antitrust challenges are seen by many to have little to do with protecting competition; rather, Beijing’s antitrust and other policies appear to punish companies and executives that don’t adhere to the party line. This panel will look at the ways in which China and other adversarial nations both encourage and discourage foreign and domestic tech competition and how such nations choose its antitrust targets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Thursday, September 23, from 12:30 – 1:30 PM ET, as part of NSI’s Tech Innovation and American National Security project, NSI hosted the second panel of a four-part series examining the national security implications of antitrust challenges at home and abroad. This second event took a look at how U.S.-allied governments are addressing antitrust questions related to the tech industry as well as the implications of such efforts for American and allied national security.Our panel features Dr. Roslyn Layton, Professor Jan Rybnicek, and Dr. Hal Singer, and was moderated by NSI Founder and Executive Director, Jamil N. Jaffer.European governments, including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland, are increasingly raising antitrust challenges against U.S. tech companies causing friction between our nations and potentially undermining our collective national security posture, particularly relative to key nation-state competitors like China. This event examined how European nation-states, in exercising their own regulatory authorities to regulate, dissolve, and monitor companies, are moving forward with laws targeting American companies, as well as how these new regulations potentially impact these companies as well as their impact on American and allied national security. The panel also explored the critical role that U.S. and U.S. allied joint bodies, as well as tech industry, can play in promoting a democratic value-based global digital ecosystem to counter digital authoritarianism and the importance for allied national security of maintaining relative unity amongst the allies on innovation policy.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Thursday, August 26th, from 12 – 1 PM ET, as part of NSI’s Tech Innovation and American National Security project, NSI hosted the first of a four-part series examining the national security implications of antitrust challenges at home and abroad. This first event will provide an introduction of domestic and international antitrust laws, examine the role of the U.S. tech industry in promoting U.S. national security and economic interests, including providing historical frameworks leading up to the current call by U.S. lawmakers to introduce antitrust lawsuits to protect consumers here in the United States. Panelists include:Ashley Baker, Director of Public Policy, Committee for JusticeMike Davis, Founder and President, Internet Accountability Project (IAP)Glenn Gerstell, Senior Adviser (Non-resident), International Security Program, Center for Strategic & International StudiesProfessor Joshua Wright, Executive Director of the Global Antitrust InstituteJamil N. Jaffer, Founder and Executive Director of the National Security Institute (moderator) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The National Security Institute hosted the next event in its China's Rise 2020/21 series, featuring Patrick Jenevein, CEO of Pointe Bello, and Jessie Liu, former U.S. Attorney for D.C., as they discuss U.S.-China business relations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gen. Petraeus (Ret.) joined us to share his insight on U.S. withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and lessons learned from our presence in the Middle East, China and the future of Great Power Competition, the recent Biden-Putin Summit, and the implications of the pandemic on the U.S. economy from a national security perspective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.