Present Meets Future: Evolving Defense Paradigms

On March 15, the 21st Century Defense Initiative at Brookings hosted its third annual Military and Federal Fellow Research Symposium, featuring the independent research produced by the fellows from each military service and federal agencies, who have spent the last year serving at think tanks and universities across the nation. Organized by the fellows themselves, the symposium provided 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 “Present Meets Future: Evolving Defense Paradigms.” Panel discussions focused on fellows’ independent research findings in the areas of international engagement strategy, China’s global influence, terrorism and counterinsurgency, and Department of Defense reforms. Lieutenant General Christopher Miller, deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs, U.S. Air Force, delivered opening remarks. Major General FHR Howes OBE, head of British Defense Staff (USA) and Defense Attaché, delivered a lunchtime keynote address on leadership.