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twc.edu ursday, May 15, 2025 Technology and National Security 7:30am – 8:00am Framing the Issues Ayesha Ray, Faculty Lead 8:00am – 9:00am Securing America: A Senator's Perspective on National Defense and Global Threats From military readiness and cybersecurity to rising global tensions, the United States faces a complex national security landscape. With evolving technologies and shifting geopolitical dynamics, defending the nation requires a thoughtful balance of strategy, innovation, and leadership. This presentation offers insight into how national defense policies are shaped at the highest levels of government, highlighting the role of Congress in addressing emerging threats, supporting the armed forces, and protecting U.S. interests at home and abroad. Students will gain a firsthand look at the decision-making process behind major defense initiatives and the broader challenges of maintaining national security in a rapidly changing world. Speaker: Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) Moderated by Kim Churches, President, The Washington Center 9:00am – 9:45am Breakfast 10:00am – 10:45am The Role of the Private Sector The evolving and complex relationship between large technology corporations and national security priorities is an increasingly critical area of focus. This discussion will explore how these companies balance their goals with national security priorities. Case studies will illustrate the tensions that arise from these intersecting and conflicting. Speaker: Charley Snyder, Global Head of Security Policy, Google Moderated by Jordan Butcher, Professor, Arkansas State University-Jonesboro 11:00am – 11:45am Cybersecurity Threats to National Security and Careers in Cybersecurity As technology rapidly evolves, so do the threats to national and global security. This discussion will examine emerging cyber and technology threats, including the tools and tactics shaping the digital threat landscape, the actors behind them, the evolving crime-terror nexus and the workforce skills essential for defense and resilience. Speakers: Kemba Walden, President of the Paladin Global Institute Rick Evanchec, Section Chief, Federal Bureau of Investigation Moderated by Dennis Plane, Professor, Juniata College 12:00pm – 12:45pm America's Place in a Changing World In an era defined by geopolitical realignments, emerging powers, and rapidly shifting global norms, the United States faces new questions about its role on the world stage. This session will explore how America's foreign policy, strategic alliances, and globa influence have evolved in recent years— particularly in light of challenges such as great power competition, regional conflicts, economic uncertainty and democratic backsliding. Speaker: Bruce Jones, Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution, Talbott Center for Security, Strategy and Technology Moderated by Allison McDowell-Smith, Professor, Nichols College 12:45am – 1:00pm Morning Wrap-Up Ayesha Ray, Faculty Lead 1:00pm – 4:00pm Lunch (on your own), Small Group Meetings and Site Visits

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