Director: Dr. James Giordano

The INSS Center for Disruptive Technology and Future Warfare (CDTFW) produces cutting edge research on disruptive technologies and future warfare, to include artificial intelligence and autonomous and semi-autonomous weapons systems and assesses the implications for defense and national security policy and strategy. The CDTFW works at the intersection of technology and defense strategy and policy.

CDTFW focuses efforts on current and near-term developments and uses of artificial intelligence/cyber systems; autonomous and semi-autonomous weapons systems; novel and emerging biological, chemical, and electromagnetic weapons; quantum systems, and nanoengineered materials and devices; and assesses the implications of these technologies for the operational capabilities, health, and optimization of the joint warfighter; current and near-future warfighting; and national security policy and strategy.

Areas of Focus & Research Themes

Bioenhancement of the joint warfighter

Use, implications and parameterization of iteratively autonomous AI and unmanned vehicular systems in joint warfighting operations

Development, employment and oversight/governance and deterrence of novel bioweapons (inclusive of chem-bio agents; weaponized emerging technological devices, such as electromagnetics, quantum systems, and nanomaterials

Weaponized use of big data technologies and techniques

Focal development and use of these approaches and tools by China for non-kinetic and/or kinetic engagements

Collaborations & Partnerships

Strategic Multilayer Assessment Branch; J-9 Joint Staff, Pentagon

Office of the Under Secretary for Defense Combined Task Force on Directed Energy Weapons and Effects

US Marine Corps Warfighter Laboratory

US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC)

Carnegie Mellon University

Georgetown University