Strategic Issues

Emerging Technologies and Terrorism: An American Perspective A NATO COE-DAT Research Project in Collaboration with the US Army War College Strategic Studies Institute Editors: Susan Sim, Eric Hartunian, and Paul J. Milas; Contributors: Darrin L. Frye, Sarah Lohmann, Paul J. Milas, Michael W. Parrott, Susan Sim, Steve S. Sin, Kristan J. Wheaton; Chapter 1: ©2024 Susan Sim. All rights reserved. Chapter 2: ©2024 Sarah Lohmann. All rights reserved. Chapter 5: ©2024 Steve S. Sin. All rights reserved. In a world where technology is rapidly advancing and available to the masses, companies and policymakers face a daunting reality—non-state actors are using innovation for sinister purposes. While artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems promise enhanced threat detection, terrorist groups are exploiting these tools for recruitment and attacks. The future is concerning as AI becomes more widespread and autonomous systems and augmented reality redefine society. A groundbreaking report is born from a collaboration between NATO COE-DAT and the US Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. This book unveils a grim forecast that terrorists are poised to exploit advances in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, augmented reality, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. The line between reality and fiction blurs in the age of rapid technological evolution, urging governments, industries, and academia to unite in crafting ethical frameworks and regulations. As geopolitical tides shift, NATO stresses national responsibility in combating terrorism and advocating for collective strength against the looming specter of technology-driven threats. However, questions linger. Can regulatory frameworks keep pace with technological innovation? Will industry prioritize ethical considerations over profit margins?

COL Luke Clover, COL Stacy Moore-Callaway, COL Erik Oksenvaag, LTC John Oliver, LTC Eric Soler; Publication from the US Army War College, Center for Strategic Leadership; This publication explores the potential transition of the U.S. Army to electrification and carbon neutrality by 2035, identifying key technologies, challenges, and recommendations. It highlights the likelihood of emerging capabilities in redundant power generation, assured energy, and smart tech synergy, which are expected to support this transition despite obstacles like supply chain issues and infrastructure costs. The document emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships, advancements in energy storage, and the integration of smart technologies to achieve a sustainable and resilient military force.

Edited by Dr Gregory Cantwell, Dr William Barry, and Major Justin Magula; Publication from the US Army War College, Center for Strategic Leadership; This volume serves as the culmination of many months of preparation and detailed research for the 2022 Strategic Landpower Symposium at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. During the symposium, participants examined the challenges of intelligence, sustainment, leadership, homeland defense and homeland security, information operations, irregular warfare, security force assistance, special operation forces, partnership programs, strategic guidance, and future trials. This book collects this important research and hopefully inspires new ideas for scholars to continue researching and thinking about future challenges to create novel concepts to share later.

International Competition in the High North: Kingston Conference on International Security 2022 Editors: Michael E. Lynch and Howard G. Coombs Conference Papers by the US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute, US Army War College Press Climate change has expanded commercial opportunities in the High North. The Russian attack on Ukraine has weakened the Arctic Council, thus setting the stage for great-power competition in the Arctic. This presents several dilemmas to the Arctic Nations, and especially the indigenous populations who live in the region.

The Future Role of Strategic Landpower Dr. Gregory L. Cantwell, Major Justin M. Magula Integrated Research Project by the US Army War College, US Army War College Press, Center for Strategic Leadership "Recent Russian aggression in Ukraine has reenergized military strategists and senior leaders to evaluate the role of strategic Landpower. American leadership in the European theater has mobilized allies and partners to reconsider force postures for responding to possible aggression against NATO members. Although Russian revisionist activity remains a threat in Europe, the challenges in the Pacific for strategic Landpower must also be considered. At the same time, the homeland, the Arctic, climate change, and the results of new and emerging technology also challenge the application of strategic Landpower..."

AY24 Campaign Planning Handbook Handbook by the School of Strategic Landpower, US Army War College The purpose of this document is to assist United States Army War College students during the Military Strategy and Campaigning (MSC) course. It also serves to assist commanders, planners, and other staff officers in combatant commands (CCMD), joint task forces (JTF), and service component commands. It supplements joint doctrine and contains elements of emerging doctrine as practiced globally by joint force commanders (JFCs). It portrays a way to apply draft doctrine awaiting signature, published doctrine, and emerging concepts, all at the higher levels of joint command, with a primary emphasis at the combatant-command level.

LTC Jeffrey Paulus, LTC Michael Gourgues, COL Argot Carberry, LTC Nicholas Milkovich, LTC Scott Henrickson; Strategic Assessment from the US Army War College, Center for Strategic Leadership; This comprehensive strategic assessment, conducted by the U.S. Army War College student team Terra Certamine, explores China’s perspective on U.S. alliances in the Indo-Pacific region and forecasts Beijing’s potential strategies to destabilize these relationships by 2035. The analysis indicates that China perceives U.S. alliances as destabilizing and unreliable, and is likely to leverage economic cooperation and infrastructure investments through initiatives like the Belt and Road to counter U.S. influence. The report also highlights China’s ambition to establish strongpoints in strategic maritime chokepoints and expand its military presence to secure its interests and counter U.S. regional dominance.

by COL Nora Flott, COL Derek Baird, LTC(P) Tyler Standish, LTC(P) Brandon Van Orden, and LTC James Esquivel; Publication by the US Army War College, Center for Strategic Leadership; An exploration of how the next generation of intelligence analysts, particularly those aged 18-22, are reshaping information consumption and communication through their reliance on digital platforms and AI technologies. With emphasis on the idea that while these digital natives are likely to enhance their critical thinking skills, their communication preferences will evolve towards more visual and interactive formats, significantly impacting the intelligence landscape of 2040.

by COL Leslie Carlson, LTC Fidel Arvelo, LTC Phillip Cain, LTC Samuel Meyer, and Lt Col Dorian Hatcher; Report by the US Army War College, Center for Strategic Leadership; This comprehensive report, authored by the student team Techno-Warfare Group, examines the integration of emerging technologies such as quantum computing, advanced AI, and autonomous systems, forecasting their transformative impact on military strategy and the skillsets leaders will require to dominate in this new era of conflict.