PeaceBot: ChatGPT’s Role in Conflict Prevention & Resolution

Image Source: University of Pennsylvania Our ways of waging war have evolved; it is time our ways of waging peace do as well. It’s been over a year since Russia started its war against Ukraine, and it’s not likely to end anytime soon. Despite the odds, Ukraine has managed to hold its ground, thanks in … Continue reading PeaceBot: ChatGPT’s Role in Conflict Prevention & Resolution

T-minus 6 Seconds: Starship (and Humanity’s) Next Major Step Into Space  

Image Source: Screenshot from SpaceX livefeed of April 20 Starship Launch NASA liked to brag when its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket launched last fall that its 8.8 million pounds of thrust made it the most powerful rocket to ever take off. That record was broken on April 20 when at T-minus six seconds SpaceX’s … Continue reading T-minus 6 Seconds: Starship (and Humanity’s) Next Major Step Into Space  

China, Too, Is Gearing Up for Tech Competition

Xi Jinping takes his oath of office to begin his third term as president of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Source: Reuters It is no secret that the United States views the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as a near-peer competitor. As the Biden administration describes, China has both the intent and the capability … Continue reading China, Too, Is Gearing Up for Tech Competition

Analyzing the Entrenchment of Beijing’s Digital Influence in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

Image Source: Middle East Eye The last several years have seen a steep accumulation of linkages between China and the Arab Gulf monarchies. As China’s energy demands have exploded and oil demand from the West has fallen, the oil-exporting Gulf countries have turned eastwards. China is now Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner and Riyadh has … Continue reading Analyzing the Entrenchment of Beijing’s Digital Influence in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

Data’s Wild West: How Unregulated Access and Advanced Processing Threaten Personal Privacy

Image Source: Anura The 7-day journey of the Chinese spy balloon from Alaska to South Carolina captivated the attention of millions of Americans. While the mission and payload of the airship remain unclear, the low-tech platform likely provided two key advantages over existing satellite capabilities: proximity to targets and persistence for surveillance collection. The public … Continue reading Data’s Wild West: How Unregulated Access and Advanced Processing Threaten Personal Privacy

Funding Tomorrow’s Terrorists and Criminals: Cryptocurrency’s Impact on the World Stage

Image Source: SecurityIntelligence In January 2009, Bitcoin became the first cryptocurrency available for public purchase. However, it wasn’t until two years later that the cryptocurrency saw its first real spike in popularity when the value reached (and passed) $1. Since the introduction of Bitcoin, over 21,000 different cryptocurrencies have popped up in the market, and … Continue reading Funding Tomorrow’s Terrorists and Criminals: Cryptocurrency’s Impact on the World Stage

From ChatGPT to Chat CCP: The Future of Generative AI Models in China

Only three months into its release, ChatGPT has already created a frenzy among people around the world. Source: Reuters Chinese regulators recently warned tech companies not to release ChatGPT-like products, for fear that chatbots would spread “disinformation” by the U.S. government. With all the hype surrounding OpenAI’s natural language model setting off an “AI Arms … Continue reading From ChatGPT to Chat CCP: The Future of Generative AI Models in China

How Will Automation Change Ground Warfare?

Image Source: Defense News // via Textron Logistics pose the most significant challenge to any military operation. It seems like a simple concept until you factor in the enemy, personnel constraints, maintenance issues, and the operational plan. Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) can help solve some of our ground transportation problems. So, where does vehicle automation … Continue reading How Will Automation Change Ground Warfare?

The Geopolitics of Nuclear Fusion

Image Source: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory / Flickr On December 5th, a team at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved ignition, creating a nuclear reaction which generates more energy than it consumes. The breakthrough was announced by the Biden administration on December 13th, once again sparking conversation surrounding nuclear fusion and its … Continue reading The Geopolitics of Nuclear Fusion

The Road to Tactical Nuclear Weapons: Re-examining Russia’s Theory of Victory and Prospects for Deterrence

Photo credit: Scientific American Just as many dismissed the possibility of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, academics continue to assert a low probability that Russia will employ nuclear weapons in Ukraine. To be sure, there are many disincentives: the risk of escalation with the US and NATO; the likelihood of being isolated from … Continue reading The Road to Tactical Nuclear Weapons: Re-examining Russia’s Theory of Victory and Prospects for Deterrence