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Experts on the challenges involved in using intelligence to address terrorism threats spoke at a seminar at The Potomac Institute July 25. The topic was chosen because of the public debate over the unfolding NSA saga and its implications for U.S. national and global security interests.
The Institute’s CEO, Mike Swetnam, opened the seminar, speaking on technology and how rapidly communications now occur through social media. He focused not only on cyber-warfare threats, but also the need to be able to respond in real time to propaganda and events on social media. His opening remarks made the case for a proactive and united American intelligence and cyber-warfare community.
The keynote speaker for “Terrorism and Intelligence: Political, Legal, and Strategic Challenges” was Dr. Donald Kerr, who spoke of the complexities in balancing the need for intelligence against what he considered a multi-generational understanding of privacy and security. He reviewed his involvement with the FBI program CARNIVORE, which intercepted emails, as well as his role in investigations in embassy bombings and the bombing of the USS Cole. He related his struggle with finding political middle ground and the lack of serious discussions about these vital matters.
Video from the one-day symposium on "Ethical issues in Neuroscience," sponsored by the Potomac Institute and AAAS, is available for viewing.
Topics discussed during the day included "NeuroEthics in Defense," "Promoting and teaching standards in NeuroEthics," and "From Ethics to Policy and Law."
Morning Session- http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/36246873
Midday Session - http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/36253487
Midday Session - http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/36257121
Afternoon - http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/36260353
Potomac Institute Academic Fellow Williamson Murray recently co-authored a book on pivotal battles and conflicts that have helped shape the world today. Titled "Moment of Battle: The Twenty Clashes that Changed the World," Murray and fellow author James Lacey examine battles in B.C. and higher-tech conflicts of the 21st Century.
The book was recently reviewed in U.S News & World Report, and the importance of understanding how consequences from one battle have an impact on democracy and free market is just one of the key points highlighted. Some of the more recent battles covered, such as Operation Peach from the Iraq invasion, may be in too recent of history to accurately judge consequences, but pivotal points in war and conflict undoubtedly have a long term impact, the authors said.
In a recent edition of The Jerusalem Post, the Potomac Institute's Prof. Yonah Alexander wrote an Op-Ed on hopefuls signs of a more tolerant and peaceful Ramadan. According to Prof. Alexander, recognizing Ramadan's universal imperative of peace is the first step in minimizing intra inter-religious confrontations. Despite some current violent events, Alexander points out hopeful signs, including a series of lectures to underscore divine obligations, as well as several countries focusing on a violence-free Ramadan.
Challenges certainly lie ahead, but Prof. Alexander closes the piece by saying, "the latest Ramadan cease-fire initiatives can practically serve as stepping stones in creating an environment more conducive for building the foundation of security and human dignity tomorrow and the day after tomorrow."
The entire Op-Ed piece by Prof. Alexander can be read here.
Prof. Alexander is the director of the Inter-University Center for Terrorism Studies in Washington, D.C., and editor-in-chief of Terrorism: Electronic Journal and Knowledge Base (http://www.terrorismelectronicjournal.org).
A one-day symposium to examine policies, teaching standards and other issues related to Neuroscience and Ethics is being held Tuesday, July 23, in Washington, DC.
Potomac Institute CEO Michael Swetnam will give the final presentation of the day, discussing the topic of "From Ethics to Policy and Law."
Co-sponsored by AAAS and The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, and hosted by the NeuroPolicy Affinity Group, the day includes panel discussions and break out sessions on NeuroEthics in Defense, as well as Promoting and Teaching Standards in NeuroEthics.
A working breakfast begins at 9, and the symposium starts at 9. After the formal discussion ends at 5:45 p.m., a networking reception will be held for participants.
AAAS is located at 122 New York Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20005.
Register online at http://aaaspolicyfellowships.org/ethical-issues-neuroscience.