From Cyber-Attacks to Extremist Violence: Preparing the Next Generation of Talent that Will Address Future Threats

March 14, 2023 The Washington Center

National Security Seminar 2023

The threats facing our nation and global community are more complex and multifaceted than ever before.

From coordinated cyber-attacks and global organized crime, to extremist violence, nuclear proliferation and even military posturing from traditional foreign adversaries. How we evaluate, plan for and shut down these threats must continue to evolve.  

At the core of our ability to defend and respond to these threats is the critical need for human talent. Diversity of risk demands a diversity of talent that brings different approaches to risk assessment and problem solving based on their own backgrounds, lived experiences and learning journey. The opportunities we provide today to help individuals of all backgrounds access jobs and careers in national security, along with venues to upskill, reskill and collaborate, are critical to our global safety. 


Want to explore issues and potential careers relevant to national security from the inside?

Apply now to The Washington Center’s National Security Seminar, May 16-24 in Washington, D.C., and build knowledge and networks that can fuel a career in national and global security. Through interactive sessions with national security leaders and on-site educational briefings at institutions of influence throughout D.C., participants will experience the NatSec community from the inside, while helping to find their own future in this field. 


Exploring National and Global Security Threats of 2023 

The Washington Center's National Security Seminar, taking place from May 16-24 in Washington, D.C., offers an unparalleled opportunity for college students who are interested in pursuing careers related to national security issues. The seminar will explore the following threat areas, and more, through the eyes of those on the frontlines of response and with a focus on careers in this field.  

Cybersecurity 

In March 2023, the Biden-Harris administration elevated a wide range of cybersecurity risks to a national security threat. While private institutions have experienced cyber-threats in the past, the risk of a state or non-state actor using cyber to attack national infrastructure, military operations, political chain of command or more pushed the administration to invest in new ways of building protections and coordination to head-off attacks. 

Today’s Talent Needs: Individuals with the perspective and passion to align the technical response with the policy decisions needed to keep governments ahead of threats.

Global Organized Crime and eCrime 

Our connected, digital world has created new ways for criminal entities to act, and with an ability to do so at scale and without trace. Cybersecurity technology leader CrowdStrike notes in their 2023 Global Threat Report that eCrime is getting smarter and faster – with the average time eCrime intrusion declining from 98 minutes in 2021 to 84 minutes in 2022. All areas of our lives and economy are at risk – from academics, to finances to healthcare and beyond – and we’ll need a response across public and private entities to maintain security. 

Today’s Talent Needs: As cyber threats become more complex, we need talent that brings diverse perspectives of thought and problem solving. This means individuals with a wide range of academic, professional and personal backgrounds, and varied interests and skills to fill the diverse roles in the industry. 

Extremist Violence 

The past decade has seen an increase in the visibility and threats posed by extremist groups in the U.S. and around the globe. This includes attacks by far-right extremists and domestic terrorists, which is often targeted toward minority groups including people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants and more. Like other national security threats, the perpetrators are also evolving their tactics, including potential cyber-attacks targeted at minorities, in addition to violence and intimidation. 

Today’s Talent Needs: Law enforcement around the country and around the globe are expanding their knowledge, assessment and response to the rise of extremist violence, including the evolving threats they present. Rising talent in law enforcement and counter terrorism will need to understand a broader range of threat-actors and use a greater array of tools to combat the risk. 

Global Geopolitical Tension 

Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine added a new dimension to existing tensions among global powers. The balance of power between the United States, Russia and China fuels a global footprint of security risks spilling into South East Asia, Middle East, Latin America and elsewhere. Moreover, the theater of tension has evolved to include not just land or sea tensions, but the rush to supremacy in the digital realm – and even outer space!  

Today’s Talent Needs: We’re in a shift of geopolitical focus not seen since after the 9/11 attacks. The individuals that will lead the policies, investments, innovations and actions to maintain peace and prosperity will need to understand the complete picture of how the new digital landscape and traditional actions align and continue to evolve. 

Explore The Washington Center’s National Security Seminar, May 16-24 in Washington, D.C., as a powerful way to build the skills and connections needed to open a career in national security and become one of the most valuable assets in our global defense.  

About the Author

The Washington Center

The Washington Center is the largest and most established student internship program in Washington, D.C. Since our founding, we've helped more than 60,000 individuals from across the U.S. and around the globe expand their academic pursuits into rewarding jobs and careers. We use our scale and expertise to deliver solutions that open career pathways for learners, solve recruitment challenges for employers, while helping create greater access, equity, advancement and representation.

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