Fourth Annual Symposium on International Security
Technology and the Future of Warfare
September 24, 2021

George Mason University, Arlington Campus
Van Metre Hall, Multipurpose Room, 125/126
3351 Fairfax Drive
Arlington, VA 22201

Please join the Center for Security Policy Studies and a roster of distinguished speakers for our annual symposium on September 24, from 9 am to 2 pm in the Multipurpose Room, 125/126 in Van Metre Hall, Schar School of Policy and Government, 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington VA.

This year's topic is Technology and the Future of Warfare. We'll explore cyber, biotechnology, drones and other forms of technology that will shape the battlefields of the future. We'll also address the policy challenges of setting rules for these technologies, many of which are not solely military tools, but have civilian uses as well. Our speakers come from the Defense Department, the private sector, and the research and academic worlds.

Tools: Identifying the new technologies being integrated into defense capabilities
9 am – 10:15 AM
Changing Concepts/definitions of War and the challenge of new Technologies Forrest Hare, GMU and SAIC

Bio Technologies Stephanie Rogers, Acting Principal Director, Biotechnology, Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering

Evolving Debates about Cyber as a new form of Warfare Mark Montgomery, Cyber Solarium Commission and Foundation for the Defense of Democracy

Moderator: Forrest Hare, GMU and SAIC

Tasks: Coordinating across the national security community
10:30-11:45 AM
Framing the Technology Policy Challenges for the President – Barry Pavel, Atlantic Council (TBC)

Intelligence, Technology and Warfare Speaker TBC

Dual Use and Low Technologies and policy concerns - TX Hammes (NDU INSS)

Moderator: Ellen Laipson, Director, CSPS

Organization: Investing in people and institutions for technological adaptations
12:15-1:30 PM
Innovation in the military – an historical perspective Michael Hunzeker, GMU

Ethics issues – UK Army Major Heloise Goodley, Invited

Institutional Challenges – within DOD, in the inter-agency - Dan Gerstein, RAND

Moderator: Ben Fernandez, DOD and GMU

Participants must complete Mason COVID Health?™ and receive a “green light” status on the day of the event. Event organizers must confirm status during check-in prior to event entry.

Attendees are required to wear masks during the event.

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*Due to COVID, the existing regulations may evolve prior to this event. Please continually check back for additional updates.

Open to all Mason and the public.

For all event questions, please email elaipson@gmu.edu.