Integrated missions require people from diverse backgrounds to work together and to work with local populations with whom they may be unfamiliar, and these cultural differences can present challenges or opportunities. Focusing on multilateral peacekeeping missions, this podcast extends a model of how culture affects interoperability among members of an integrated mission – horizontal interoperability – to the understanding of how culture affects an integrated mission’s work with local populations – vertical interoperability. The podcast identifies seven principles of action which allow integrated missions to take account of culture in engaging local populations.
Series: The HDIAC Podcast
The HDIAC Podcast features discussions with Subject Matter Experts on emerging topics in the fields of Alternative energy, Biometrics, CBRN Defense, Cultural Studies, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Homeland Defense & Security, Medical, and Weapons of Mass Destruction. Training, One-on-one, and round-table discussions are held to provide insight into highly technical topics and increase user awareness.
Interoperability Among Agencies and Local Population during Multilateral Peacekeeping Operations – Part 1
Integrated missions require people from diverse backgrounds to work together and to work with local populations with whom they may be unfamiliar, and these cultural differences can present challenges or opportunities. Focusing on multilateral peacekeeping missions, this podcast extends a model of how culture affects interoperability among members of an integrated mission – horizontal interoperability – to the understanding of how culture affects an integrated mission’s work with local populations – vertical interoperability. The podcast identifies seven principles of action which allow integrated missions to take account of culture in engaging local populations.
Accent Matters: Biolinguistics and Social Identity Dimensions
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.
Constructing Forensic Linguistic ‘Finger Prints’ for Human/Criminal Identification
This podcast discusses forensic linguistics, a technology that offers a new frontier in forensic evidence gathering – particularly in those cases where no other evidence is available to investigators. An example case is that of Theodore J. Kaczynski, the Unabomber: lack of fingerprints, hair samples, blood stains, DNA evidence, informants, eyewitnesses, or bomb part serial…
Super Recognizers – Part 2 of 2
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.
Super Recognizers – Part 1 of 2
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.
Disaster Emergency Response and Recovery – Part 2 of 2
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.
Disaster Emergency Response and Recovery – Part 1 of 2
In part one of this two-part podcast, HDIAC analyst Amber Garvey interviews Dr. Tonya Thornton, the Director for Extramural Projects at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government. The discussion begins with Dr. Thornton defining terminology used to describe and classify disasters today.
Weaponizing Brain Science: Neuroweapons – Part 2 of 2
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.
Weaponizing Brain Science: Neuroweapons – Part 1 of 2
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.
