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

Big Tech in Taiwan

Sam Bresnick
| July 2025

This report examines how 17 leading U.S. technology companies are economically and operationally entangled with Taiwan. By mapping investments, R&D efforts, data centers, and supply chains, it sheds light on how these ties could influence corporate behavior in a future conflict with China, and what risks and incentives may shape tech companies’ decisions in a Taiwan contingency.

Analysis

AI System-to-Model Innovation

Jonah Schiestle and Andrew Imbrie
| July 2025

System-to-model innovation is an emerging innovation pathway in artificial intelligence that has driven progress in several prominent areas over the last decade. System-level innovations advance with the diffusion of AI and expand the base of contributors to leading-edge progress in the field. Countries that can identify and harness system-level innovations faster and more comprehensively will gain crucial economic and military advantages over competitors. This paper analyzes the benefits of system-to-model innovation and suggests a three-part framework to navigate the policy implications: protect, diffuse, and anticipate.

Analysis

AI on the Edge of Space

Christopher Huynh
| June 2025

The accelerating commercialization of satellites and launch technologies means space is now more congested, contested, and operationally limited than ever. This drives an imperative to leverage emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to observe, orient, protect, and if needed, for defense. This report surveys the technology landscape to understand how AI can be applied to space domain awareness and orbital warfare.

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

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.

Analysis

Government AI Hire, Use, Buy (HUB) Roundtable Series – Roundtable 2: Government as an Employer of AI Talent

Danny Hague, Carolina Oxenstierna, and Matthias Oschinski
| 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 second installment of a four-part series.

Analysis

Government AI Hire, Use, Buy (HUB) Roundtable Series – Roundtable 1: Government as a User of AI

Carolina Oxenstierna, Alice Cao, 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 first installment of a four-part series.