Our Vision
The Next Frontier Seminar Theory of Change
We believe that there is an increasingly critical link between frontier technology and international security. We further believe we must prepare a diverse set of leaders at this intersection. We also believe, however, that a rigorous, hands-on research program to cultivate this talent is missing from our leading universities. The Next Frontier Seminar addresses this gap in two key ways. First, it develops high-performing students to immediately begin contributing to the security, international affairs, and technology ecosystems of global democracies. These contributions are evident in student briefings to field experts, publications in top journals, and professional opportunities enabled by the program. Second, the Seminar seeks to bolster the quality of international security decision- making by preparing leaders with new forms of expertise. Whether its machine learning, energy security, or ethics, new perspectives will be necessary to produce an informed next generation of leadership.
Our Paths to Impact
The Seminar develops high-performing students to immediately begin contributing to the international security ecosystem of the U.S. and its allies. These contributions are evident in student briefings to field experts, publications in top journals, and professional opportunities enabled by the program.
The Seminar seeks to bolster the quality of international security decision-making by preparing leaders with new forms of expertise. Whether its machine learning, energy security, or ethics, new perspectives will be necessary to produce an informed next generation of leadership.
Our Philosophy
Four principles enable us to uniquely develop talent, relationships, and research at the intersection of technology and security.
Excellence in quality. To develop these high-potential students, we believe that undergoing an intensive selection process for those who demonstrate excellence is essential. We look for students across a range of disciplines – computer science, biology, history, etc – who are positioned to withstand our fast-paced development program. By mentoring these students in small teams, we equip them with the training and resources necessary to begin solving rigorous problem sets at the intersection of technology and security.
Inter-university dialogue. We create the space for cross-school interactions, enabling students to exchange ideas and perspectives across different academic environments. This process leverages the unique educational approaches of our partner institutions, enabling a coordinated dialogue across them in a forum that does not currently exist.
Intimate environments. We prioritize small, private events that foster organic relationship-building and unstructured learning. These environments promote real mentorship by enabling one-on-one interaction with our advisors, while also empowering students to openly test their ideas in an environment of academic freedom.
Research philosophy. Our thesis is that collaboration and balanced policy drives success. As a result, we encourage international affairs projects to consider great middle, and small powers in their work. Furthermore, we enable research related to both international competition and global cooperation because we believe that both are necessary approaches for global democracies.