Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Friends of CSET,

As CSET enters its seventh year, I am struck by how far we’ve come since those early planning sessions in 2018. What began as a vision to bridge the gap between emerging technology and policy has grown into an organization that shapes critical conversations about the future of AI.

AI and its applications continue to reshape our security landscape, and the demand for CSET’s data-driven mix of technical and policy expertise grows. In 2024, our researchers conducted hundreds of briefings with government officials and industry leaders, testified before Congress, and published over 80 pieces of analysis and dozens of translations. Our four most widely read pieces of research examined how large language models work, analyzed how Project Maven and the U.S. 18th Airborne Corps operationalized AI, explored China’s perspectives on AI warfare, and provided timely analysis of how Huawei’s AI chip development pushed the limits of U.S. export controls.

This year marked a significant evolution in how we engage with complex challenges in emerging technology policy. We broadened our network beyond U.S. government officials to include more industry leaders, philanthropists, and regional policymakers, recognizing that technological advancement affects every sector of society.

This expanded engagement included seminars and workshops covering important topics from AI agents and critical infrastructure to public sector talent, and launched new tools and datasets. Our Building the Tech Coalition conference proved particularly impactful, with one participant describing it as “the best and most uniquely hard-hitting defense AI event” they had attended.

In 2025, our research priorities are directed by rapidly evolving technological developments, while maintaining our commitment to rigorous, nonpartisan analysis. This is evidenced by our increased focus on AI applications in military and cybersecurity domains, expanded work on the technical aspects of securing AI, and continued analysis of AI workforce development.

None of this would be possible without our dedicated staff, supporters, and partners. Whether through reading our policy.ai newsletter, attending our events, or supporting our work directly, you play a crucial role in helping CSET shape technology policy. Together, we can ensure that AI strengthens rather than compromises our security and prosperity.

Sincerely,

Dewey Murdick