Defense Challenges and Future Opportunities

On March 16, the 21st Century Defense Initiative at Brookings hosted its second annual Military and Federal Fellow Research Symposium, featuring the independent research produced by the members of each military service, and key federal agencies, who spent the last year serving at think tanks and universities across the nation. Organized by the fellows themselves, it was intended to provide a platform for building greater awareness of the cutting-edge work that America’s military and governmental leaders are producing on key policy issues.

The theme of this symposium was “Defense Challenges and Future Opportunities.” After a brief introduction by Peter Singer, director, 21st Century Defense Initiative, panel discussions focused on the fellows’ research findings in the areas of emerging governance, regional insecurity, Department of Defense efforts to harness cyberspace, alliance and regional partnerships, and new challenges in the maritime domain. Major General Lori Robinson, director of Legislative Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, and former Brookings federal executive fellow, gave the lunchtime address.

After each panel, the speakers took audience questions.