National Security Implications of Emerging Technologies

A quantum computer at the University of Chicago during a U.S. Army project on quantum networking

photo by Nancy Wong/University of Chicago

Our research portfolio examines topics such as the latest technologies and their potential uses in military operations, the best ways for DoD to acquire and incorporate emerging technologies across the joint force, and how emerging technologies may be used by the U.S. and other nations to secure relative national security advantages.

Some of NSRD’s recent cross-cutting research questions focused on the implications of emerging technologies include:

• What are the implications of emerging military capabilities for deterrence and escalation management?
• What can be done to better align research and engineering efforts in DoD and industry with emerging chemical and biological defense threats?
• What are the risks and opportunities associated with emerging technologies as they transition toward commercialization?
• Are the military services meeting the training and equipping requirements for cyberspace forces? Is a different model of force generation advisable?

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  How to Counter Blockship Attacks in Key U.S. Waterways

  Blockship attacks could delay maritime movements in U.S. or key overseas ports, affecting U.S. military services and potentially disrupting billions of dollars in commerce. What measures could reduce the risk of an effective blockship attack or reduce an attack's impact?

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  Harnessing 5G-Era Innovations: How Allies Can Defend Against Attack

  Innovative uses of 5G technologies can enhance military capabilities and help solve complex operational problems, even in challenging conditions.

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  Comparative Analysis of U.S. and PRC Efforts to Advance Critical Military Technology

  This report outlines an approach for comparatively assessing the capacity, progress, and impact of critical military technologies under development in the United States and the People's Republic of China.

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  An Assessment of U.S.-Allied Nations' Industrial Bases in Quantum Technology

  RAND researchers assessed the quantum industrial bases of Australia, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom (UK) and made recommendations for strengthening international collaboration in quantum technology research and development (R&D) between the United States and its allied nations.

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  How Might AI Affect the Rise and Fall of Nations?

  As artificial intelligence continues to advance, geopolitics may never be the same. The AI development path that ultimately unfolds will matter enormously for the shape and contours of the future world.

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  Keeping Up with the Joneses: How Can DoD Address Its Technical Talent Shortage?

  The RAND National Security Research Division hosted a moderated panel discussion to examine the key role technical talent will play in DoD’s digital transformation, the factors behind the department’s current shortage of technical talent, and the steps DoD can take to address recruiting and retention barriers.

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  U.S. Adversaries Can Use Generative AI for Social Media Manipulation

  Using generative artificial intelligence technology, U.S. adversaries can manufacture fake social media accounts that seem real. These accounts can be used to advance narratives that serve the interests of those governments and pose a direct challenge to democracies. U.S. government, technology, and policy communities should act fast to counter this threat.

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  A Brief Overview of Emerging Vaccine Technologies for Pandemic Preparedness

  Over the past two decades, pandemic preparedness has proven to be critical to health, national, and economic security. What are key trends and strategic implications associated with specific aspects of pandemic preparedness in the United States, China, and Russia?

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  Chinese Next-Generation Psychological Warfare

  China is interested in both advanced computing and brain science to expand and improve its psychological warfare capabilities. How might this affect U.S.-China dynamics in peacetime competition, crisis, and conflict?