Publications

CSET produces evidence-driven analysis in a variety of forms, from informative graphics and translations to expert testimony and published reports. Our key areas of inquiry are the foundations of artificial intelligence — such as talent, data and computational power — as well as how AI can be used in cybersecurity and other national security settings. We also do research on the policy tools that can be used to shape AI’s development and use, and on biotechnology.

Analysis

CSET’s 2024 Annual Report

Center for Security and Emerging Technology
| March 2025

In 2024, CSET continued to deliver impactful, data-driven analysis at the intersection of emerging technology and security policy. Explore our annual report to discover key research highlights, expert testimony, and new analytical tools — all aimed at shaping informed, strategic decisions around AI and emerging tech.

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Analysis

Honchoing AI in the Air Force

Nolan Sweeney
| June 2025

The U.S. Air Force is attempting to adopt artificial intelligence, but efforts have struggled to gain institutional traction. This report draws on lessons from past military innovations and current AI challenges to offer practical, people-centric recommendations. By embedding engineers, empowering leaders, and retaining talent, the Air Force can take charge of (honcho) AI adoption to achieve a military advantage.

Analysis

Advanced Space Technologies

Michael O’Connor and Kathleen Curlee
| June 2025

The United States is home to a growing set of companies building advanced space technologies, from lunar landers to satellite servicing systems. These firms are taking on missions once led by government and developing capabilities the government does not yet field. But limited profitability, export restrictions, and free government services may constrain growth unless targeted investments and smart policies help sustain a dynamic, secure commercial space sector. This report explores the U.S. advanced space technologies industry and highlights challenges and opportunities the state of the industry presents for national security.

Analysis

Opportunities in Open Science, Metascience, and Artificial Intelligence

Catherine Aiken, Greg Tananbaum, James Dunham, Ronnie Kinoshita, and Erin McKiernan
| June 2025

This new report summarizes a March 2025 workshop hosted by CSET and ORCA, with support from NSF. The workshop brought together more than 30 experts to discuss advancing open science and metascience, and brainstorm how artificial intelligence can be a tool in those efforts. Informed by workshop panels and discussions, the report outlines an agenda for near-term, high-priority next steps to benefit researchers, funders, and policymakers.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to change cybersecurity. This report takes a comprehensive look across cybersecurity to anticipate whether those changes will help cyber defense or offense. Rather than a single answer, there are many ways that AI will help both cyber attackers and defenders. The report finds that there are also several actions that defenders can take to tilt the odds to their favor.

Analysis

Wuhan’s AI Development

William Hannas, Huey-Meei Chang, and Daniel Chou
| May 2025

Wuhan, China’s inland metropolis, is paving the way for a nationwide rollout of “embodied” artificial intelligence meant to fast-track scientific discovery, optimize production, streamline commerce, and facilitate state supervision of social activities. Grounded in real-world data, the AI grows smarter, offering a pathway to artificial “general” intelligence that will reinforce state ideology and boost economic goals. This report documents the genesis of Wuhan’s AGI initiative and its multifaceted deployment.

Analysis

Promoting AI Innovation Through Competition

Jack Corrigan
| May 2025

Maintaining long-term U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence will require policymakers to foster a diversified, contestable, and competitive market for AI systems. Today, however, incumbent technology companies maintain a distinct advantage in the production of large AI models, and they have the means and motion to use their control over key chokepoints in the AI supply chain (compute, data, foundation models, distribution channels) to stifle competition. This report explores the associated economic and national security risks, and offers recommendations for maintaining an open and competitive AI industry.

Analysis

Top-Tier Research Status for HBCUs?

Jaret C. Riddick and Brendan Oliss
| April 2025

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is simplifying its top-tier R1 research criteria this year. Recognizing the strategic importance of historically Black colleges and universities, Congress passed Section 223 of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act to increase defense research capacity by encouraging the most eligible among these institutions to seek the highly coveted R1 status. This in-depth analysis examines the 2025 classification changes, their effect on eligible HBCUs, and strategies for Congress to maintain progress.

Analysis

AI for Military Decision-Making

Emelia Probasco, Helen Toner, Matthew Burtell, and Tim G. J. Rudner
| April 2025

Artificial intelligence is reshaping military decision-making. This concise overview explores how AI-enabled systems can enhance situational awareness and accelerate critical operational decisions—even in high-pressure, dynamic environments. Yet, it also highlights the essential need for clear operational scopes, robust training, and vigilant risk mitigation to counter the inherent challenges of using AI, such as data biases and automation pitfalls. This report offers a balanced framework to help military leaders integrate AI responsibly and effectively.

Analysis

Government AI Hire, Use, Buy (HUB) Roundtable Series – Roundtable 4: Capstone

Danny Hague, Natalie Roisman, Matthias Oschinski, and Carolina Pachon
| March 2025

Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology and Beeck Center for Social Impact and Innovation, together with the Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law and Policy (Tech Institute), led a series of invite-only roundtables over the course of 2024 to grapple with the legal liability questions that artificial intelligence poses, examine AI’s potential to transform government services, and consider how the government can better attract and use AI talent. This resulting report was authored in 2024 after those discussions and is the fourth and final installment of a four-part series.

Analysis

Government AI Hire, Use, Buy (HUB) Roundtable Series – Roundtable 3: Government as a Buyer of AI

Carolina Oxenstierna, Aaron Snow, and Danny Hague
| March 2025

Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology and Beeck Center for Social Impact and Innovation, together with the Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law and Policy (Tech Institute), led a series of invite-only roundtables over the course of 2024 to grapple with the legal liability questions that artificial intelligence poses, examine AI’s potential to transform government services, and consider how the government can better attract and use AI talent. This resulting report was authored in 2024 after those discussions and is the third installment of a four-part series.