Plenary Session 11: Addressing the Push Factors of Migration

The Homeland Security Enterprise was built with an initial focus on external threats and natural disasters. In the past 20 years, most attacks in the US have come from domestically radicalized individuals and we are seeing an increase in hate groups motivated toward violence. How are we working to address radicalization of all stripes? Can the federal counterterrorism enterprise support domestic operations while keeping with our national core values?

Cyberspace has gone from buzzword to full operational domain since the founding of DHS. CISA embodies the purest nature of homeland security – partnership across multiple sectors and echelons. As threats in cyberspace increase in prominence and sophistication, is the current partnership arrangement correct? Does the federal government need to assert more regulatory authority? Or should we take a more laissez-faire approach? How can we forecast the next threat and mitigate risks now?

Incredible technologies from artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum computing have given us a set of new capabilities, opportunities, and at times threats. But given the nature of the Homeland Security Enterprise - broad and multi-echeloned - defining a strategy for research can be challenging. Technology of the future will surely aid emergency response, operational reliability, and our nation’s resilience. So how might we design a comprehensive R&D strategy incorporating all partners and stakeholders?