Experts Weigh In: Global National Security Crisis Demands Bold New Solutions

The World of National Security: A Call to Action through the CNAS Pathfinder Essay Contest

In recent years, the complexities of national security have become increasingly nuanced. The threats we face today are no longer limited to traditional defense issues, but also encompass digital threats, global supply chain vulnerabilities, and domestic infrastructure weaknesses. Amidst this evolving landscape, it’s essential for policymakers and experts to seek out fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) has recognized this need and launched the Pathfinder essay contest, designed to identify and nurture emerging voices in defense policy. Breaking Defense is proud to partner with CNAS on this initiative, which aims to bring new ideas and approaches to the forefront of national security discourse.

The Pathfinder contest seeks applicants who are either currently enrolled in graduate school or have up to five years of experience in their respective fields. This deliberate focus on early-career professionals and graduate students ensures that the next generation of thinkers is given a platform to share their insights and ideas.

The contest received an impressive 150 applications, showcasing a diverse range of talent and expertise. The selection process was rigorous, with three finalists ultimately chosen to represent the CNAS Pathfinder cohort. Meet Elizabeth Tamte, Juliana Fleming, and Kevin Chen, who will be featured in this article as they share their thought-provoking essays.

Elizabeth Tamte, a recent master’s graduate from the University of Oxford, brings a wealth of international experience to her essay. Her submission highlights the vulnerabilities of the maritime supply chain, which she argues poses a significant threat to global stability. Tamte advocates for concerted efforts at both the congressional and multilateral levels to strengthen supply chain security and mitigate the risks associated with over-reliance on foreign suppliers.

In contrast, Juliana Fleming, a congressional staffer pursuing a master’s degree from George Washington University, takes a more localized approach to national security. Her essay focuses on the domestic threat posed by large power transformers, which she believes are attractive targets for malicious actors seeking to disrupt critical infrastructure. Fleming argues that policymakers must prioritize the development of resilient and secure energy systems to prevent catastrophic disruptions.

Kevin Chen, who spent several years working on AI for national security before pursuing a master’s degree at Yale University, offers a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and national security. His essay explores the need for a domestic rare earth supply chain, which he argues is essential for ensuring national security in an increasingly complex technological landscape.

The CNAS Pathfinder contest has achieved its goal of identifying innovative thinkers who are shaping the future of national security. By providing a platform for these emerging voices, Breaking Defense aims to promote a more inclusive and diverse conversation about defense policy. The essays submitted by Tamte, Fleming, and Chen demonstrate the breadth and depth of expertise among this year’s finalists, and their perspectives will undoubtedly enrich our understanding of the complex challenges we face.

As national security continues to evolve, it is crucial that policymakers and experts seek out new ideas and approaches. The CNAS Pathfinder contest serves as a valuable resource for identifying emerging talent and promoting innovative thinking in defense policy. For aspiring scholars and professionals, this contest represents an exciting opportunity to make their voices heard and contribute meaningfully to the national security conversation.

In an ever-changing world, there is a growing need for fresh perspectives and new ideas. The CNAS Pathfinder essay contest has taken an important step towards addressing this need by providing a platform for emerging voices in defense policy. We look forward to building on this success in future years, as we strive to foster a more inclusive and diverse conversation about national security.

The Future of National Security: A Call to Action

As we navigate the complexities of national security, it is essential that policymakers and experts work together to identify innovative solutions and approaches. The CNAS Pathfinder essay contest has demonstrated that there are many talented individuals who are already thinking critically about these issues.

By supporting this initiative, Breaking Defense aims to promote a more inclusive and diverse conversation about defense policy. We believe that the next generation of thinkers and leaders will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of national security.

If you are an early-career professional or graduate student interested in defense policy, we encourage you to explore the CNAS Pathfinder contest website for more information on next year’s competition. The Pathfinder cohort is set to make a lasting impact on our understanding of national security, and we look forward to working with them to promote innovative thinking and solutions.

In conclusion, the CNAS Pathfinder essay contest has achieved its goal of identifying emerging voices in defense policy. By providing a platform for these talented individuals, we are promoting a more inclusive and diverse conversation about national security. We believe that this initiative will have a lasting impact on our understanding of the complex challenges we face, and we look forward to working with the Pathfinder cohort to promote innovative thinking and solutions in the years to come.

Related Topics:

• National Security and Global Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
• The Impact of Digital Threats on National Security
• Domestic Infrastructure Weaknesses and Resilience Strategies
• Emerging Trends in AI and Rare Earth Supply Chains

These related topics highlight the complexities and challenges of national security, as well as the need for innovative solutions and approaches. By exploring these areas, we can better understand the intricacies of modern national security and develop effective strategies to address emerging threats.

The CNAS Pathfinder essay contest has taken an important step towards promoting a more inclusive and diverse conversation about defense policy. We look forward to building on this success in future years, as we strive to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges of national security.