Student Testimonial
January 17, 2025
Dear Donor,
My name is Sam Cohen, and I am a graduate student at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy. I am writing this letter due to concern about the future of technology as a defense strategy in the United States
As a data scientist working in the defense space, I know just how important technological innovation is to our national defense. After all, some of our greatest technological achievements have germinated from brilliant minds working on defense-related initiatives like DARPANET. In addition, as someone passionate about international affairs and diplomacy, it is discouraging to see how adversaries like China and Russia have been racing to outpace the US in key sectors like AI and quantum computing. By working in this space and speaking with experts on the ground, this not only concerns me as a technology professional, but as a civil service-oriented American.
There are 2 major technological defense concerns: (1) technological dominance by adversaries, and (2) threats from them.
Perhaps the most pressing issue regarding the former is China’s desire to obtain an edge in the semiconductor industry. Semiconductors are the cornerstone of AI. China’s rhetoric of reuniting Taiwan—the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturer—with the mainland could spell disaster for the US’s AI initiatives. In addition, China has made leaps and bounds in the quantum computing space as a result Xi Jinping’s push for increased Science and Technology (S&T) capabilities
Threats from adversaries continue to play a role in our everyday lives as well. Russia has used campaigns of mis- and disinformation before its war with Ukraine. Russian hackers have even been observed by various intelligence agencies attempting to breach US defense contracts since 2020. However, concerns have increased since its 2022 invasion. Additionally, while Russia lacks the technological capabilities of China and US, it has concentrated its efforts into military and nuclear innovation and development. Vladimir Putin has overseen strides in hypersonic and AI technology in the Russian military arsenal.
While these concerns remain, the US has taken steps to maintain its posture and combat nefarious actors in this realm. For instance, the Biden administration prohibited the sale and use of hardware and software from China and Russia that could be used in vehicles. In addition, the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 has strengthened the US semiconductor and microelectronics industry, giving hundreds of millions of dollars to microtechnology hubs and new technological initiatives.
That said, there are still many ways in which the US can preserve its edge in the international technology arena and combat geopolitical rivals by doing so. Below is a list of organizations that are crucial to this plan:
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA): Develops breakthrough technologies for national security. Their contributions to technology are notable—the internet, the GPS, and even SIRI have all evolved from DARPA projects.
National Defense University (NDU): Conducts research and education on integrating technology into defense strategies. Its vision is to “create strategic advantage by developing joint warfighters and other national security leaders and forging relationships through whole-of-nations and whole-of-government educational programs, research and engagement.”
Technet Cyber: Hosts events and initiatives connecting defense leaders with technology innovators. Defense officials at the 2024 conference voiced the need for a bolstered cyber workforce, for instance.
These organizations rely on funding from agencies and individuals like yourself. Your support ensures that the US will be in a poised technological and defense position for years to come.
Advancing technology as a cornerstone of national defense is critical to maintaining U.S. leadership on the global stage. Your support can drive innovation, secure supply chains, and strengthen the integration of emerging technologies into defense strategies. Together, we can ensure a safer, more secure future.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sam Cohen
Student, McCourt School of Public Policy
Georgetown University
