Emerging Threats and Technology Working Group
The Emerging Threats Working Group meets fortnightly with an emphasis on the transformative national security implications of critical and emerging technologies (CETs), from artificial intelligence and quantum computing to directed energy and precision bioweapons. Meetings are held in hybrid format, in-person at Oxford and online with Microsoft Teams, to include diverse viewpoints from academia, industry, and policy, matching the global reach of technological innovation and challenge.
“The security environment is affected by rapid technological advancements and the changing character of war. The drive to develop new technologies is relentless.” – U.S. National Defense Strategy ’18
Across the security and defense strategies of great powers, critical and emerging technologies are now leading elements of the threat environment and areas of vigorous investment. Accordingly, working group meetings examine key science and technology (S&T) priorities, spanning Biotechnology, Directed Energy, Hypersonics, Space Technologies, Quantum Computing, Autonomous Systems, and Artificial Intelligence. Meetings assess these technologies with robust theorizing, drawing implications for military strategy & operations, international security, force-planning & acquisition, industrial defense innovation, and regulation & global governance.
For further details and inclusion on the mailing list, contact Chris Morris, Christopher.Morris@politics.ox.ac.uk
Thursdays, 17:00-18:30 GMT
Hybrid Venue: MS Teams + Boyd Room, Hertford College
Limited capacity, please email Christopher.Morris@politics.ox.ac.uk
Week Three, 11 May
Topic: Space & Counterspace: Disruptive Technologies from Launch to Orbital Strike
Week Five, 25 May
Topic: Accelerating Combat: Hypersonics, Directed Energy, and Autonomous Systems
Week Seven, 8 June
Topic: Changing the Climate of War: From Weather Modification to Biological Security
Group Research & Opportunities:
Regular group members are invited to contribute to an Annual Emerging Threats Report with opportunities for presentation to industry and policymakers. The Report provides horizon-scanning of technological developments, elaborated assessments, and potential policy options. For further details and to register participation interest, email Chris Morris at Christopher.Morris@politics.ox.ac.uk
