Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) is a policy research organization that analyzes the projected impacts emerging technologies will have on security for the benefit of officials in the U.S. government and private corporations. It is housed in Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service. ¹

As of 2023, CSET was focused primarily on artificial intelligence (AI), advanced computing, and biotechnology. Its goal is to influence the future strategies of policy makers and other leaders. ²

Activities

Center for Security and Emerging Technology hires staff members from government, business, and academia to discuss and study the future of technology and its intersection with national security. ³

It gathers data in reports, analyzes its findings, and produces policy proposals for its advisors to use to influence national security officials. ⁴

As of February 2023, CSET was focused primarily on artificial intelligence (AI), advanced computing, and biotechnology. Its goal is to influence the future strategies of policy makers and other leaders. ⁵

At that time, CSET’s other main projects were Assessment, which analyzed the role the U.S. government could have in the testing and standardization of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) technology; CyberAI, a research project into AI/ML’s effects on “cyber operations;” Compete, which measured U.S. technology development on a geopolitical scale; Workforce, which analyzed the global AI workforce; Supply Chains, which analyzed the supply chains of semiconductors and other key components of technologies; Regions, which kept watch of what regions of the world were most promising for investing in technology development and potential collaboration opportunities; Bio-Risk, which followed risks for technology misuse; and Peer Watch, which tracked how other super powers were developing and wielding cutting-edge technology. ⁶

CyberAI

CyberAI is a CSET project that analyzes the intersection of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning and cybersecurity. It warns about future “disinformation” threats that AI/ML could pose, AI/ML’s potential benefit in “cyber operations,” and the ongoing geostrategic competition surrounding AI/ML. ⁷ CyberAI is directed by John Bansemer, a career Air Force intelligence officer who retired as a Lieutenant General. Before retiring, Bansemer was the assistant director for national intelligence, partner engagement within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Bansemer is also an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. ⁸

Analysis

CSET releases reports on current events in technology and national security. In October 2022 it published “Banned In D.C. – Examining Government Approaches to Foreign Technology Threats” regarding the federal government’s newfound powers to block the government’s various agencies as well as private firms from using foreign technologies that put American national security at risk. The document claims that regulators must be prudent with these new powers and wield them effectively to “better coordinate supply chain security efforts” in the government. ⁹

Leadership

As of 2023, Center for Security and Emerging Technology staff included executive director Dewey Murdick, director of external affairs Lynne Weil, director of operations Tessa Baker, director of the CyberAI Project and Senior Fellow John Bansemer, director of biotechnology programs and senior fellow Anna Puglisi, director of data science and research Catherine Aiken, and director of strategy and foundational research grants Helen Toner. ¹⁰

1. “CSET.” Center for Security and Emerging Technology, May 22, 2024. https://cset.georgetown.edu/.
2. “About Us.” Center for Security and Emerging Technology. Accessed February 5, 2023. https://cset.georgetown.edu/about-us/.
3. “About Us.” Center for Security and Emerging Technology. Accessed February 5, 2023. https://cset.georgetown.edu/about-us/.
4. “About Us.” Center for Security and Emerging Technology. Accessed February 5, 2023. https://cset.georgetown.edu/about-us/.
5. “About Us.” Center for Security and Emerging Technology. Accessed February 5, 2023. https://cset.georgetown.edu/about-us/.
6. “About Us.” Center for Security and Emerging Technology. Accessed February 5, 2023. https://cset.georgetown.edu/about-us/.
7. “About Us.” Center for Security and Emerging Technology. Accessed February 5, 2023. https://cset.georgetown.edu/about-us/.
8.  “CyberAI Project.” Center for Security and Emerging Technology. Accessed February 5, 2023. https://cset.georgetown.edu/cyberai-project/.
9. “Banned In DC.” Center for Security and Emerging Technology. Accessed February 5, 2023. https://cset.georgetown.edu/publication/banned-in-d-c/.
10. “Team.” Center for Security and Emerging Technology. Accessed February 5, 2023. https://cset.georgetown.edu/team/.