Reports

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.

Report

CSET’s 2025 Annual Report

Center for Security and Emerging Technology
| March 31, 2026

Each year, CSET’s annual report highlights our work and impact across technology and security issues. It shows how our research, convening, and engagement contribute to important policy conversations on emerging technologies.

In 2025, CSET advanced its mission to inform high-stakes decisions through rigorous, evidence-based analysis of the security implications of emerging technologies. Our independent research examines issues at the intersection of technology and security.

You can view a web version of our annual report or download it below.

Filter publications

See CSET's translation of a document detailing the number and affiliation of CAS-sponsored candidates for China’s “Youth Thousand Talents Program” as of 2011. Under the program, prospective employers such as CAS are responsible for identifying overseas talent they wish to recruit, and must submit applications on behalf of their candidates.

See our translation of the Ministry of Science and Technology plan which outlines China’s priorities for “military-civil fusion” in the years 2016–2020. The plan aims to eliminate stovepipes between the Chinese military and civilian innovation ecosystem.

Reports

Immigration Policy and the Global Competition for AI Talent

Tina Huang and Zachary Arnold
| June 2020

Current immigration policies may undermine the historic strength of the United States in attracting and retaining international AI talent. This report examines the immigration policies of four U.S. economic competitor nations—the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Australia—to offer best practices for ensuring future AI competitiveness.

Translation

Assessing Chinese Reactions to New U.S. Visa Policies on Chinese Students and Researchers

Emily S. Weinstein and Dahlia Peterson
| June 2020

This report summarizes Chinese reactions to a May 29th White House proclamation forbidding entry to the United States of graduate students or researchers with past or current affiliations with entities supporting China’s military-civil fusion. It draws on sources ranging from government statements and state-owned media to blog posts.

Data Brief

Career Preferences of AI Talent

Catherine Aiken, James Dunham, and Remco Zwetsloot
| June 2020

The United States faces increased international competition for top talent in artificial intelligence, a critical component of the American AI advantage. CSET surveyed recent AI PhDs from U.S. universities, offering insights into the academic and career preferences of the AI workforce.

Data Brief

Global R&D and a New Era of Alliances

Melissa Flagg
| June 2020

Research and development funding and technological leadership are crucial to sustaining America’s comparative advantages. While the prevailing narrative suggests that China leads in a bipolar competition, in reality, the United States and its allies comprise a majority of global R&D.

See our translation of The Director of the PRC Overseas Chinese Affairs Office's report to the Chinese parliament in April 2018 regarding his office’s performance.

Reports

Shaping the Terrain of AI Competition

Tim Hwang
| June 2020

How should democracies effectively compete against authoritarian regimes in the AI space? This report offers a “terrain strategy” for the United States to leverage the malleability of artificial intelligence to offset authoritarians' structural advantages in engineering and deploying AI.

Reports

AI Definitions Affect Policymaking

Dewey Murdick, James Dunham, and Jennifer Melot
| June 2, 2020

The task of artificial intelligence policymaking is complex and challenging, made all the more difficult by such a rapidly evolving technology. In order to address the security and economic implications of AI, policymakers must be able to viably define, categorize and assess AI research and technology. In this issue brief, CSET puts forward a functional definition of AI, based on three core principles, that significantly outperforms methods developed over the last decade.

See our translation of a white paper by a PRC information security standardization group describes the current state of AI security and safety standards in China. Appendices list all of China’s AI security standards as of October 2019, and provide examples of AI security innovations pioneered by Chinese tech companies and IBM.