Homeland Defense & Security

Anthropology studies humankind in all its aspects, through archeological, biological, ethnological, and linguistic research – it can trace its roots to ancient Greek historical and philosophical writings about human nature and the organization of human society.  However, few people are familiar with the concept of military anthropology, and those who are have widely differing opinions about its role.  In these podcasts, Dr. Robert Rubinstein discusses with Steve Redifer both the anthropological study of military organizations, such as militaries of nation states, insurgencies, and guerrilla warfare, as well assistance that may be provided by anthropologists to military organizations, such as teaching at military educational institutions or service in areas of operation.  Dr. Rubinstein presents a brief history of military anthropology, including participation by anthropologists in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, as well as covering the role of anthropological science during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Dr. Rubinstein discusses the pros and cons of this involvement and presents a list of principles developed from anthropological literature that can serve to inform military interactions with local populaces.   

Anthropology studies humankind in all its aspects, through archeological, biological, ethnological, and linguistic research – it can trace its roots to ancient Greek historical and philosophical writings about human nature and the organization of human society. However, few people are familiar with the concept of military anthropology, and those who are have widely differing opinions about its role. In these podcasts, Dr. Robert Rubinstein discusses with Steve Redifer both the anthropological study of military organizations, such as militaries of nation states, insurgencies, and guerrilla warfare, as well assistance that may be provided by anthropologists to military organizations, such as teaching at military educational institutions or service in areas of operation. Dr. Rubinstein presents a brief history of military anthropology, including participation by anthropologists in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, as well as covering the role of anthropological science during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dr. Rubinstein discusses the pros and cons of this involvement and presents a list of principles developed from anthropological literature that can serve to inform military interactions with local populaces.

In recent years, terrorist propaganda campaigns have published materials that extol the merits of attacking the United States and its allies through the use of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high yield explosive weapons. Further, numerous terrorist groups have attempted to develop CBRN weapons and some have employed them through a variety of means. In order to address the operational implications of such events, it is important to be aware of common threat methodologies, be familiar with potential target locations, and understand the ramifications of such attacks. This webinar focuses primarily on the biological threat, as a biological attack against people could be used to cause illness, death, fear, societal disruption, and economic damage; likewise, an attack on agricultural plants and animals could result in economic damage, loss of confidence in the food supply, and possible loss of life. This webinar provides a "snapshot" of this continuously evolving attack vector and gives an overview and assessment of the threat posed by biothreat agents.

In order to best understand the environments where they work, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) uses a diagnostic tool called the Conflict Assessment Framework to analyze national and sub-national conflict. A conflict assessment is a systematic process used to analyze and prioritize the dynamics of peace, conflict, stability, and instability in a given country context. This webinar will provide an overview of the assessment process and methods, as well as provide illustrative examples from previously conducted field assessments.

The aim of this podcast is to examine dimensions of accent in terms of the (bio-) linguistic mind/brain and the social mind. Drs. Tej and Shobha Bhatia discuss the silent accent trauma suffered by speakers who speak with “undesirable” foreign or regional accents and experience social exclusion and bullying from native speakers. They also present evidence from neurolinguistic (f-MRI) studies of social pain caused by social exclusion. The discussion is framed particularly in cross-cultural communication through world varieties of the English language and the wide-ranging negative reactions to people who speak English with a foreign or “undesirable” accent.

This video podcast is part two of a two-part series on the topic of super recognizers and facial recognition. In this podcast, Dirk Plante, Deputy Director of HDIAC, continues the interview of two subject matter experts on facial recognition, Dr. Josh Davis, Ph.D. and Dr. David Robertson, Ph.D. This podcast discusses the tasks that a human super recognizer is able to perform more effectively than artificial intelligence facial recognition software. The podcast also examines how a human super recognizer can be a more cost-effective tool compared to automated systems.

This video podcast is part one of a two-part series on the topic of super recognizers and facial recognition. In this podcast, Dirk Plante, Deputy Director of HDIAC, interviews two subject matter experts on facial recognition, discussing the definition of super recognizer and what makes a person more or less likely to possess the ability to be a super recognizer. This podcast also discusses methods that organizations can use to identify if they have personnel who are super recognizers. The next step of effectively utilizing this talent is also outlined.

In this webinar, Professor James Giordano of Georgetown University Medical Center, and Senior Fellow in Biosecurity, Technology, and Ethics at the US Naval War College describes the uses and value of big data and cyber-capabilities in bioscience and biotechnology; addresses the national security, intelligence, and defense applications of these tools and methods; illustrates vulnerabilities in these systems' infrastructures and functions, and posits the importance and necessity of bio-cybersecurity as a multi-organizational posture and enterprise.

The Defense Science Board has identified energy as one of the main enablers of future military operations and has noted that military energy usage could grow significantly in the near future, outpacing improvements to alternative energy sources.  In March of 2020, the Pentagon issued several contracts to facilitate a design work “competition” for mobile, small nuclear reactors and the winning prototype will potentially be forward deployed with forces outside the United States.  The project is managed through the Strategic Capabilities Office’s “Project Pele” which was formed to ensure the safe development of mobile and advanced nuclear microreactors for a variety of DoD missions.  Desired features for the new reactors include quick set-up, shut-down, and the ability to facilitate rapid movement by road, sea, air, or train.  This prototyping project will ensure that critical functions remain operational regardless of the status of the local power grid and allow users to combat physical or cyber espionage from weak grids.

The second installment of this two-part podcast continues the conversation with Dr. Thornton on disaster emergency response and recovery. In this part of the series, Dr. Thornton discusses the difference between social production of disasters and disaster social constructs, the etiological difference of disasters, and recommendations to ensure optimal response and recovery.

This webinar discusses the risk of retinal burns or flash blindness to friendly troops following nuclear weapon use. In order to understand this threat, one must have a fundamental understanding of how the eye reacts to extremely luminous objects, considerations for the environment and time of day, and thermal effects of nuclear weapons.  Historically, this has been a heavily studied topic, however previous studies have applied the question to pilots and aircrew operating at cruising altitude.  Additionally, there are some counterintuitive aspects of the problem involving the inverse-square law applied to the weapon output and how yield influences the potential for eye injury.  For planners, modelers, and subject matter experts, it is extremely important to understand the assumptions and technical aspects of the problem set in order to provide safe separation distances to servicemembers on the battlefield.

The second installment of this two-part podcast continues the conversation with Dr. Giordano on the implications of weaponizing brain science. In an article he wrote for HDIAC in 2016 titled ‘Battlescape Brain’, Dr. Giordano hinted at the possibility of a neuroweapons arms race that could follow from international surveillance. Dr. Giordano provides an updated look at these concerns in the context of today's environment. He concludes by describing ethical frameworks that could regulate future policies for biotechnology as the world moves forward in this dynamic area.

In part one of this two-part podcast, HDIAC analyst Mara Kiernan interviews Dr. James Giordano, a Professor in the department of Neurology and Biochemistry at Georgetown University Medical Center. The discussion begins with Dr. Giordano defining neuroweapons and explaining their applied technologies. He provides insight into the manner in which international weapons conventions govern the use neuroweapons and discusses the threats presented by neuroweapons in today’s environment. Dr. Giordano goes on to review the need for continuous monitoring, including his views regarding challenges and potential solutions for effectively understanding global developments in neuroweapon technologies.

In this webinar, Mr. Mark Diglio, the US Army’s CBRN Survivability Program Manager, discusses the growing CBRN threat, CBRN survivability acquisition policy/requirements, renewed US Army priorities for CBRN survival, rapid acquisition initiatives, development considerations for survivability, mission critical concerns, and future survivability considerations.

In part one of this two-part podcast, HDIAC analyst Mara Kiernan interviews Dr. James Giordano, discussing the applications of neuroscience to national security. The discussion begins with a broad level conversation before narrowing the focus to warfighter neurocognitive enhancement.  Dr. Giordano provides insight into the current state of neurocognitive enhancement, potential future technologies, and the various challenges associated with its development and use.