With growing threats from terrorist groups, transnational networks, and rogue states; the United States and allied countries must contend with a complicated set of direct national security challenges - from weapons-of-mass-destruction terrorism and proliferation to natural resource constraints.

These threats have emerged in, and are affected by, an environment of growing globalization, technological innovation, and shifting geopolitical and economic power.

Such challenges have strained existing legal, political, and operational norms in the United States and raised concerns about the shifting balance between security, privacy, and civil liberties. These issues have presented policymakers, courts, and the public with stark questions about what measures can and should be taken to protect the nation.

Abroad, the new challenges stemming from terrorism and asymmetric threats, dramatic demographic shifts, and the rise of new centers of power have stressed existing alliances, forged new marriages of convenience, and required reassessments of global power dynamics.

In this context, the United States finds itself addressing national security threats across the globe as the sole superpower; with diminishing reach and leverage.

More Information

This seminar will explore:

• the evolving international security environment;
• the effects of increasing globalization, technological advances, and demographic shifts;
• the tradeoffs and tensions that have and will emerge as the United States and other countries grapple with immediate national security threats and long-term security challenges;
• the important role of non-state actors and networks in a global society

Some questions that will be addressed include:

• How should national security and American power be viewed in light of a more globalized world; with the rise of new powers and points of influence?
• How should the U.S. address the rising power and influence of countries like China, Brazil, and India, and the challenges presented by influential countries like Russia?
• What role do international institutions and organizations play in this evolving global system?

View More Questions..