The Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology (CMIST) translates research into actionable insights, informing policymakers and shaping the global conversation on war, peace, and emerging technology.
As a cross-university meeting place, CMIST offers a balanced perspective on critical debates around new technologies and their impact on security and policy. Leveraging Carnegie Mellon University's cutting-edge research in fields such as machine learning, robotics, and human-computer interaction, our multidisciplinary team of social scientists delivers expert analyses on the ethical, social, political, and economic implications of new and emerging technologies. Our researchers adopt a fresh approach to understanding how emerging technologies influence war and peace, and how best to harness their potential to create a more stable, equitable world.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS
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Date
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Event & Registration
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Speaker(s)
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Thurs, 1/16/2025
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Wed, 1/29/2025
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Matthew Fuhrmann
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Tues, 2/11/2025
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Scientists & Strategists - How Tech Firms Shape Geopolitics |
Adam Segal
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Mon,
2/17/2025
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Scientists & Strategists - How Can We Manage the Misuse Potential of Increasingly Powerful Technologies? - CANCELLED |
Jonas Sandbrink |
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Thurs, 2/20/2025
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Scientists & Strategists - Civil-Military Relations: Throughout History and in Modern Times |
Kori Schake |
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Mahadev Satyanarayanan and JustinFanelli |
Scientists & Strategists
Each semester, our Scientists & Strategists speaker series brings in experts on international relations, STEM, and national and international security to lead engaging and nuanced discussions surrounding the most pressing topics of our time. In fall 2024 we covered topics ranging from the impact of the clean energy transition on US security and industrial strategy to how military strategies are evolving in the age of AI and robotics. We kept these critical conversations going for spring 2025 with discussions on how tech firms are shaping geopolitics, as well as the benefits of unified cloud-edge for defense and critical infrastructure. All discussions in this event series are recorded and we encourage you to view the videos, linked below.
Cloud computing is everywhere, but it's not the answer to everything. Fundamental constraints of latency, bandwidth, privacy, data sovereignty, and resilience in adversarial environments increasingly challenge cloud-centric architectures. That's where "edge computing" comes in. CMU's Professor Mahadev Satyanarayanan and Justin Fanelli, CTO for the Dept of Navy, explore how public-private collaboration can accelerate innovation, addressing both the technical and organizational challenges of edge computing in adversarial and non-adversarial settings.
Lawfully Speaking
To complement its new American Politics and Law minor, CMIST launched Lawfully Speaking: A Forum on Law & Ethics in the spring of 2024. This lecture series fosters open dialogue on legal and ethical issues, offering a learning environment for those curious about the intersection of law and ethics. The debut lecture was delivered by international lawyer John Bellinger, who currently handles a range of cutting-edge international legal dilemmas—from questions of state sovereignty to laws of war and trade disputes.
In his lecture, Who’s Afraid of International Law? Why the Senate is Approving Fewer Treaties, Mr. Bellinger discussed why US presidents are entering into more international agreements that do not require Senate approval.
In our fall 2024 installment of Lawfully Speaking, the Honorable Judge James E. Baker discussed the future of artificial intelligence regulation and national security in his presentation entitled, Promise and Peril: The Next Ten Years of National Security AI and its Regulation.
More recently, William Renn Gade, deputy general counsel for intelligence and security with the Department of Defense, explored the impact of technological advancements on the law of warfare in his talk, The Revolution in Military Affairs, Law, and the Future of Warfare, for CMIST's spring 2025 event.
Conversations with Senior Leaders
Conversations with Senior Leaders is a speaker series hosted by CMIST that provides a unique platform for emerging leaders to gain insights from seasoned professionals in the fields of national security and technology. Our series brings together distinguished figures who have made significant contributions to their respective fields, providing invaluable perspectives on leadership, strategy, and the challenges and opportunities facing our world today. The events provide insights into the strategic thinking and decision-making processes that have shaped their careers. During these candid discussions, these leaders share their leadership philosophies, strategies for success, and hard-earned lessons learned, offering invaluable guidance to those seeking to navigate complex challenges and achieve their own professional goals.
Prof. Cronin and Ambassador Nathaniel Fick discuss the field of tech diplomacy, his current role in shaping U.S. cyberspace and digital policy, and the importance of careers in public service.
Audrey Kurth Cronin
CMIST Director; Trustees Professor of Security and Technology
Nathaniel C. Fick
Inaugural U.S. Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy.
Prof. Cronin and Dr. Dixon discuss the critical impact of public service in advancing national security and lessons learned from Dixon's incredible career at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).
Audrey Kurth Cronin
CMIST Director; Trustees Professor of Security and Technology
Stacey A. Dixon
Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence
General Laura Richardson and Lieutenant General Jim Richardson offer insights into their esteemed careers, navigating married life in the military, and the art of turning challenges into opportunities.
Audrey Kurth Cronin
CMIST Director; Trustees Professor of Security and Technology
Laura J. Richardson
United States Army General
Commander, U.S. Southern Command
Jim Richardson
Retired, United States Army Lieutenant General; CMU Distinguished Executive in Residence
Lieutenant General Jim Richardson shares what he has learned in his career, his thoughts on future technology challenges, and what's next at The Army Artificial Intelligence Integration Center (AI2C).
Audrey Kurth Cronin
CMIST Director; Trustees Professor of Security and Technology
Jim Richardson
Retired, United States Army Lieutenant General; CMU Distinguished Executive in Residence
Admiral James Foggo discusses the origins of his naval career, what submarine life is really like, and his thoughts on evolving perceptions on artificial intelligence and unmanned systems.
Patrick Cronin
CMIST Scholar in Residence
Asia-Pacific Security Chair, Hudson Institute
James Foggo
Dean, Center for Maritime Strategy of the Navy League; Retired, Admiral U.S. Navy
Introduction by: Audrey Kurth Cronin, CMIST Director; Trustees Professor of Security and Technology
Digital Diplomacy
Carnegie Mellon University and the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology hosted a thought-provoking event—Digital Diplomacy: Building Solidarity in Cyberspace. The evening kicked-off with welcomes by CMIST Director Audrey Kurth Cronin and CMU Provost Jim Garrett. Keynote speaker Nathaniel Fick, inaugural US ambassador at large for cyberspace and digital policy, explored worldwide trends in tech and digital diplomacy. A panel featuring international diplomats Minister Paula Bogantes Zamora of Costa Rica and Ambassador Benedikt Wechsler of Switzerland followed the keynote and was moderated by CMIST Director Audrey Kurth Cronin.
Deeper Conversations
Deeper Conversations, which President Farnam Jahanian launched in January 2024, is a university-wide initiative aimed at promoting the power of civil discourse. It spans a range of programming options—from scholarly lectures to cultural events—to engage members of the Carnegie Mellon community in studying and discussing some of the most complex challenges facing society today. Each wave of programming explores a specific divisive issue and is open to CMU students, faculty and staff.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, CMU is focused on exploring critical topics related to democracy and the election. Here's a look at CMIST's involvement in Deeper Conversations.
Cyber-Enabled Nation-State Influence Operations: Are Russia, China and Iran Interfering in the U.S. Election?
On October 28, this session examines recent evidence of nation-state interference in U.S. elections and discusses strategies to protect our democratic process from these threats. Panelists include Bret Schafer, Bryan Prior, and Darren Linvill and is moderated by CMIST Director Audrey Kurth Cronin.
Bridging the Divide: Understanding and Addressing Political Polarization in America
On September 11, this panel, featuring CMU faculty members Kevin Zollman, Jonathan Cervas (CMIST), and Karina Schumann and moderated by Dean Richard Scheines, delved into the structural forces driving this polarization and explored potential solutions.
OUR WORK
Publications
Carnegie Mellon researchers Harry Krejsa of CMIST and Dr. Thomas Şerban von Davier of SEI have released their latest white paper, Agents of Change: Rapid Shifts in AI Economics Are Redefining How Agentic Systems Are Built, Powered, and Deployed. Exploring the emergence of AI agents and the economic shifts driving cheaper model development across the tech industry, this paper also uncovers the intricate dynamic between AI, energy, and China, suggesting it's more complex than headlines imply. To avoid past internet pitfalls, the industry is already championing open-source and interoperable frameworks for the burgeoning agent economy, though government support is essential for their effective implementation, broad acceptance, and sustained research.
CMIST's inaugural white paper from Director of Studies Harry Krejsa, Sun Shield: How Clean Tech & America’s Energy Expansion Can Stop Chinese Cyber Threats, discusses how the United States can lead the charge on clean energy while protecting our infrastructure from rising cyber threats. With China's influence in critical energy supply chains growing, it’s time to rethink how we modernize and protect our energy systems. Get insights on upgrading the electrical grid with digitally-native tech, leveraging clean energy deployment to strengthen our cybersecurity, and boosting American leadership in the technologies that will power tomorrow’s economy.
Foreign Affairs
What Drones Can—and Cannot—Do on the Battlefield
By Michael C. Horowitz, Lauren A. Kahn, and Joshua A. Schwartz
RealClearEnergy
AI Power Demand Is Remaking Our Energy Ecosystem – While Painting a Target on Its Back
By Harry Krejsa and Mark Montgomery
Washington Examiner
It’s Time to Get Real About Fueling the AI Arms Race
By Harry Krejsa and Chris Barnard
Media Mentions
“If we harness these democratizing forces in the AI marketplace, we could produce an AI ecosystem that is more accessible, more affordable and potentially even more trustworthy and secure than a more centralized and concentrated marketplace would be,"
"I was really pleased and excited to see that there is continuity, as I expected leaving my time in the Biden administration, and there’s going to continue to be prioritization of cybersecurity protections for space systems,"
“First, President Lee seeks to reassure Beijing by demonstrating sensitivity to China's core interests, thereby encouraging favorable or at least stable bilateral relations,”
Podcasts & Interviews
Council on Foreign Relations
Strategic Lessons From One Year of War
Guests: Audrey Kurth Cronin, Tamir Hayman, and Robert Pape; Elise Labott
Korean Broadcasting System (KBS)
KBS Documentary Insight - Politics of Impeachment
Guests: John Chin and Joe Wright
Berlin Security Beat
The Cyber Dimension of the Russian Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine
Podcast guest: Nadiya Kostyuk
More Interviews and Podcasts:
2024 and prior
PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
Workshops
CMIST designs custom workshops bridging the gap between emerging technology and real-world challenges in security and strategy. Our expert-led sessions move beyond theoretical knowledge, focusing on how to strategically integrate and apply advanced concepts like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation. We empower your talent to solve complex problems and drive innovation, ensuring your organization effectively navigates and leads in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
US Army War College International Fellows Engagements (2024, 2025)
CMIST has joined with Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy for two consecutive years to host the United States Army War College International Fellows cohorts for a site visit at CMU. The daylong program includes in-depth briefings on key topics from CMU's leading experts in emerging technology, global studies, and policy, followed by relevant lab tours. This firsthand exposure to cutting-edge research is invaluable for international leaders seeking to understand and address global challenges.
Professional Education
Our professional education courses are designed to meet the unique needs of organizations seeking to fully leverage their human talent while operating at the intersection of security, strategy, and technology. The program of learning combines cutting-edge tech, strategic thinking, and practical knowledge, enabling immediately applicable insights. Through collaborative design, the unique programming sets conditions for any organization to stay at the forefront of innovation by priming their workforce to better leverage technological change. Our team of experts builds custom courses to incorporate artificial intelligence, machine learning, prompt engineering, cybersecurity, robotics, automation, computer vision, and other emerging technologies shaping the future of national and international security.
AI Bootcamp for USCG Intel Professionals: Implications for National Security
Recognizing the critical need for a workforce development primer on artificial intelligence, the US Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Intelligence (CG-2) turned to CMIST to build a tailor-made, three-day webinar. Through extensive collaboration across Carnegie Mellon University, CMIST crafted an educational program specifically designed to address the implications of AI for both the intelligence community and the broader US Coast Guard. This virtual program, developed by CMIST, successfully engaged 250 to 500 mid- to senior-grade officers and non-commissioned officers from the intelligence communities of both the Coast Guard and US Navy, located across various time zones and locations.
To address this complex and nuanced topic, CMIST designed the course to feature three modules: Defining AI as a Source of Advantage, National Security Implications of AI, and Technology and Competition. Expert speakers on these topics included senior leaders, security scholars, policy experts, and scientists.
CMIST played a key role in the Global Security, Geopolitics & Defense Cooperation Class hosted by The Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business, as part of the The University of South Australia (UniSA) Global Executive Master of Business Administration (GEMBA) in Defense and Space. Held in Washington, DC, in October 2024, CMIST, working in conjunction with the Tepper School of Business, designed and managed a five-day geopolitics module as part of the larger eighteen-month GEMBA program delivered across Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The program offers participants a unique opportunity to collaborate with international defense and space experts.
For the Washington module, CMIST was instrumental in providing the cohort access to renowned academics and defense leaders, significantly enhancing their geopolitical understanding in areas like Executive Communications, the Geopolitics of Key World Regions, and International Law and National Security. Additionally, CMIST arranged a tour of the United States Capitol for the cohort and organized meetings with L3Harris industry leaders, the Chief Technology Officer of the United States Navy, and the Chief Technology Officer of NASA.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from industry experts, accomplished practitioners, and thought leaders who bring real-world insights to each course.
- Customized Learning Curriculum: Tailor education courses with a curriculum that aligns with specific career goals and organizational needs.
- Global Network: Join a vibrant community of professionals, fostering valuable connections and collaborations across industries and geographies.
- Practical Application: Our courses emphasize practical application, ensuring that you can immediately apply your newfound knowledge and skills in your professional life.
Interested in creating an executive education program?
Contact CMIST Deputy Director for Security Policy Studies, Dr. Ralph López.Military Fellows Program
Since its inception in 2015, the Military Fellows Program at Carnegie Mellon University has welcomed service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard who bring their wealth of experience as seasoned leaders to the academic environment. Our fellows spend their time at CMU researching, engaging with faculty and scholars, participating in conferences, experiencing cutting-edge simulations, networking across the campus community, and providing mentorship to our students. The goal is to bring accomplished military and national security leaders to campus to harness the intellectually rich opportunities at CMU and study the wide-ranging implications of technological innovations for domestic and international security.
2024-2025 Cohort
2023-2024 Cohort
Commander Kenneth Sauerbrunn, US Coast Guard Fellow
Major Bridget Pantaelon, US Air Force National Defense Fellow2022-2023 Cohort
2021-2022 Cohort
2020-2021 Cohort
2019-2020 Cohort
2018-2019 Fellow
2017-2018 Fellow
2016-2017 Fellow
2015-2016 Fellow
(L to R: Colonel Retired Ralph López, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Duval, Captain Matthew Scott Austin, Major Ronisha Carter, Explosive Ordnance Disposal First Class Nick Albarracin, and Commander Heather Thomas)TEAM OF TEAMS
