FDD Events Podcast

Physical systems in U.S. critical infrastructure have become reliant on digital technology for an array of functions, from safety to operation to communication. This interconnectivity of cyber and physical systems has made services exponentially more efficient, but at the same time has vastly expanded the digital attack surface. Hackers understand now more than ever that the impacts of a digital attack can proliferate to interconnected physical components, causing widespread systemic failure. The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) issued a report to address these issues, highlighting the need to build systems that are resilient against disruption, including cyberattacks, so that the operational impacts of incidents are minimized.To discuss these challenges and provide solutions to remedy them, FDD hosts a panel with PCAST Cyber-Physical Resilience Working Group Co-leads Dr. Eric Horvitz, Microsoft’s chief scientific officer; Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Jen Easterly, and Phil Venables, chief information security officer of Google Cloud; Harry Coker, Jr., National Cyber director; and Dr. Georgianna Shea, FDD’s chief technologist and PCAST working group member. Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery moderates the conversation.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2024/03/13/fortifying-cyber-physical-resilience-recommendations-from-the-presidents-council-of-advisors-on-science-and-technology/

Corruption through foreign bribery schemes has fueled wars and bankrupted countries around the globe. Numerous treaties, international bodies, and conventions for years have sought to end the practice of foreign bribery – yet Transparency International research reveals that only two of the 47 largest exporting countries are actively enforcing foreign anti-bribery laws. To make matters worse, sanctions against corrupt officials are rarely levied. While these corrupt schemes have largely been successful in evading accountability and justice, recent bipartisan efforts in Congress may level the playing field and deliver the most significant anti-corruption opportunities in decades.FDD and Transparency International-US host a conversation with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) to discuss the recent passage of the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (or “FEPA”), how the legislation can best be leveraged against corrupt regimes, and what comes next in the fight against global corruption and kleptocracy. The discussion will address how FEPA fits with other anti-corruption laws and regulations, how the Department of Justice should implement FEPA, how to address issues of jurisdiction and extradition, and what laws and regulations are still needed in the fight against corruption.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2024/03/12/expanding-the-anti-corruption-toolkit-fepa-and-beyond/

In the wake of Hamas’s October 7 terror attacks on Israel, Turkey’s material support for the terrorist organization has come under increased scrutiny by the United States and beyond. Under the rule of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ankara has offered safe harbor to Hamas leadership, allowing the terror organization to raise and transfer funds, recruit members, and coordinate regional activities. Additionally, emerging evidence indicates that Ankara either ignores or is complicit in militarily supplying the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists who continue to attack commercial and military shipping, including American military personnel. Further afield, Turkey’s role related to Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine is also being rightfully scrutinized. Since October 7, the U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned a number of entities based in Turkey with many others having been identified as ripe for designation.FDD host a conversation with Gallia Lindenstrauss, senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies; Michael Rubin, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute; and Tugce Varol, adjunct professor at San Diego City College. The discussion is moderated by Sinan Ciddi, non-resident senior fellow at FDD, with introductory remarks by FDD Senior Vice President for Research, Jonathan Schanzer.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2024/03/08/turkey-a-sanctuary-for-terrorist-entities-illicit-finance/

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency Rafael Grossi recently warned, “There’s loose talk about nuclear weapons more and more, including in Iran recently. A very high official said, in fact, we have everything, it’s disassembled. Well, please let me know what you have.” The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors meeting, which takes place in Vienna from March 4 to 8, provides an opportunity for Washington to lead an effort to reverse Tehran’s nuclear advances, which have made historic gains in scale and scope since November 2020.FDD hosts David Albright, physicist and founder and president of the Institute for Science and International Security; Richard Goldberg, former National Security Council director for combatting Iranian Weapons of Mass Destruction and FDD senior advisor; and Andrea Stricker, FDD research fellow and deputy director of FDD’s Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program. The conversation is moderated by Anthony Ruggiero, former National Security Council senior director for counterproliferation and biodefense and senior director of FDD’s Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program. FDD Chief Executive, Mark Dubowitz, delivers introductory remarks.The panel reviews the current status of Iran's nuclear program, including its timeline to nuclear weapons and weaponization capabilities, discuss ways in which Tehran could use the conflict in the Middle East to sprint to nuclear weapons, evaluate U.S. and European responses to Iran’s nuclear escalation, and provide policy recommendations for Washington and allies in Europe and beyond.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2024/02/27/irans-nuclear-weapons-program-previewing-the-march-4-8-iaea-board-meeting/

The Northern Marianas is part of the United States but exists in a strategic environment unlike anywhere else in America. Sharing a maritime boundary with Japan, the Northern Marianas hosted a strategic air base for America’s operations in World War II. Today, as the same base in Tinian is under redevelopment for use by the U.S. Air Force, a Chinese-linked casino recently opened nearby. Unlike anywhere else in America, tourists from China can enter the Northern Mariana Islands through the CNMI-only visa waiver program that has made the U.S. more vulnerable to malicious, CCP-led activities. This is in addition to the large investments that have flowed through the islands’ financial system with little national security oversight. The frontline between the People’s Republic of China’s influence operations and America’s strategic positioning are at a significant crossroads. The ongoing bipartisan Congressional failure to approve the renewal of key components of the Compacts of Free Association leaves the future of U.S. defense architecture in the Central Pacific hanging in the balance and risks further isolating the Northern Marianas and neighboring Guam.Join FDD for a conversation with Northern Marianas Governor Arnold Palacios; the Hon. Randall G. Schriver, former assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs and current chairman of the Board at The Project 2049 Institute; and FDD Senior Fellow Cleo Paskal. The conversation will be moderated by Craig Singleton, FDD China Program director and senior fellow.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2024/02/22/strengthening-americas-asian-border-a-discussion-with-northern-marianas-governor-arnold-palacios/

The Eastern Mediterranean – a nexus for trade and culture, rich in resources, and home to many Western allies – is embroiled in complex geopolitical dynamics, only exacerbated by Russia’s War against Ukraine and the aftermath of the attacks of October 7, 2023.The Abraham Accords have brought Middle East nations closer to normalization and peace – enabling the Mediterranean to collectively advance its interests as well. Yet further regional integration seems, at least temporarily, on ice. How do democratic backsliding, energy conflict, and tense diplomatic relationships affect the region as a whole? What can be done to forge ahead? What is the prospect for reviving institutions like the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum and the Negev Forum? What role can Greece and Cyprus play in bridging the gap between Israel and Arab States? Who are the “spoilers” in getting such cooperation back on track?To discuss cooperation and impediments for progress in the Eastern Mediterranean, FDD hosts a discussion featuring Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece Amb. Alexandra Papadopoulou; U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Amb. Geoffrey Pyatt; FDD Senior Vice President for Research Jonathan Schanzer; and FDD Non-Resident Senior Fellow Sinan Ciddi. The panel will be moderated by Washington Correspondent for Greek Public TV ERT Lena Argiri.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2024/02/12/eastern-mediterranean-at-a-crossroads-the-future-of-regional-integration-and-alliances/

The Islamic Republic of Iran’s proxy strategy to build a network of armed groups on Israel’s borders to create instability and foment terrorism is on full display in the region. While the fight against Hamas to the south of Israel grinds on, a war on Israel’s northern border looms. Were Israel not preoccupied in Gaza, the Iran-backed aggression from the north would almost certainly have already been met with a swift and powerful response. Equipped with decades of Iranian funding, arms, training, and coordination, is this the next warfront to break out on Israel’s borders? What challenges is Israel facing as it settles into what seems to be a long-haul war that may only be just starting to heat up? What would a war with Hezbollah mean for Israel and its defense capabilities? How would a multi-front war impact Washington and our allied nations’ involvement in the war?To explore these questions, FDD will host a panel discussion with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus, former international spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces and FDD Senior Fellow; Eyal Hulata, former Israeli national security advisor and FDD senior international fellow; and Enia Krivine, senior director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network. The conversation will be moderated by Anna Schecter, senior producer in the NBC News Investigations Unit.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2024/02/09/israeli-security-the-northern-threat-and-other-challenges-ahead/

Ukrainians continue to fight hard to defend their homes and defeat the Russian invasion, but the future is uncertain. The Ukrainian counteroffensive has not gone as well as many hoped and congressional delay is hampering the administration’s efforts to provide Kyiv the weapons and munitions it needs. What are Putin’s goals in Ukraine? Why should Americans care about the outcome in Ukraine? What does the administration believe success looks like in Ukraine? What is happening on the battlefield, and what are Ukraine’s most urgent security needs? What are the consequences if Congress continues to delay the provision of additional security assistance funding for Ukraine?To answer these questions and more, FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP) hosts Dr. Celeste Wallander, assistant secretary of defense for International Security Affairs. FDD Founder and President, Cliff May, will moderate the conversation.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2024/02/08/victory-and-defeat-in-ukraine-a-conversation-with-assistant-secretary-of-defense-celeste-wallander/

Digital assets, cryptocurrencies, and decentralized finance offer economic opportunity while also exposing nation-states and economies to genuine risk. While the cryptocurrency industry has grown and evolved at rapid pace, bipartisan lawmakers are actively wrestling with the challenging question of how best to regulate and guardrail new financial tools to foster innovation while protecting U.S. national and economic security.Join FDD’s Center on Economic and Financial Power (CEFP) for a discussion on digital asset regulation with Rep. French Hill (R-AR) and Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT), moderated by Juan C. Zarate, chairman and co-founder of CEFP. The conversation will be followed by a discussion with experts and industry, moderated by Elaine K. Dezenski, senior director and head of CEFP, and featuring Dante Disparte, chief strategy officer and head of global policy for Circle; Sujit Raman, general counsel at TRM Labs; and Amit Sharma, CEO of FinClusive.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2024/01/29/fortifying-the-crypto-future-us-national-and-economic-security-in-the-virtual-realm/

The systems that provide safe drinking water and dependable wastewater services are increasingly dependent on networked technology. At the same time, the importance of water and wastewater systems make them prominent targets for both profit-seeking cyber criminals and America’s authoritarian adversaries. Securing the digital systems of tens of thousands of utilities – many of which are small and municipally owned – is difficult and requires robust collaboration among governments, technology service providers, and companies. With other critical infrastructure dependent on water systems for reliable operation, significant investments in cybersecurity technology and processes, both on premises and in the cloud, are overdue.To grapple with these challenges and discuss solutions, FDD, CSC 2.0, and Microsoft hosts a panel discussion with Tom Fanning, executive chairman of Southern Company; Fred Humphries, corporate vice president of Microsoft; and Dr. Kevin Morley, manager of federal relations for the American Water Works Association. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Samantha Ravich, chair of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation.The event coincides with the release of a CSC 2.0-Microsoft after action report on the findings and recommendations from a series of roundtable discussions with government officials, policy experts, and practitioners in the water and technology industries.For more, check out: https://www.fdd.org/events/2023/12/13/hard-water-increasing-the-cyber-resilience-of-americas-water-supply/