NSI Live

The National Security Institute (NSI) and the Center for the National Interest (CFTNI) hosted an important discussion on cybersecurity challenges in telecom networks, with a particular focus on the SALT Typhoon threat actor and its broader implications for U.S. national security.

As cyber-enabled threats continue to evolve, state-sponsored actors like SALT Typhoon are increasingly targeting critical communications infrastructure, posing significant risks to both national defense and economic security. This timely conversation brought together industry leaders, and cybersecurity experts to examine how the United States can public-private collaboration to mitigate threats and build a more secure and resilient telecom ecosystem.

The event will begin with opening remarks from Congressman Jim Himes, Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, followed by a panel discussion with key voices from the cybersecurity and policy communities.

Keynote:

• Congressman Jim Himes (D-CT, 4), Ranking Member, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

Panelists:

NSI and the Embassies of Estonia, Denmark, and Norway hosted an important discussion on transatlantic security challenges featuring senior diplomatic leaders. His Excellency Kristjan Prikk, Ambassador of Estonia to the United States; Ambassador Stig P. Piras, Deputy Chief of Mission of Denmark to the United States; and Ambassador Bård Ivar Svendsen, Deputy Chief of Mission of Norway to the United States provided insights on protecting the rules-based international order, countering hybrid threats, and supporting nations defending their sovereignty. As geopolitical tensions rose, exacerbated by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the conversation explored recent examples of hybrid warfare tactics used by authoritarian regimes and the strategic steps needed to bolster transatlantic resilience.

The event began with opening remarks from NSI Senior Fellow Andrew Borene, followed by a keynote statement from Ambassador Kristjan Prikk, who provided Estonia’s perspective on the evolving security landscape. A panel discussion followed, featuring Ambassador Prikk, Ambassador Stig P. Piras, and Ambassador Bård Ivar Svendsen, moderated by Martha Miller, NSI Deputy Executive Director.

Guest Speakers:

• Ambassador Kristjan Prikk, Ambassador of Estonia to the United States
• Ambassador Stig P. Piras, Deputy Chief of Mission of Denmark to the United States
• Ambassador Bård Ivar Svendsen, Deputy Chief of Mission of Norway to the United States

Moderator: Martha Miller, NSI Deputy Executive Director

Host: Andrew Borene, NSI Senior Fellow

NSI hosted an event diving into the geopolitical, economic, and strategic implications of the growing partnership between Russia and Iran, which has led to increased cooperation, including military coordination, such as military transfers and defense technology exchanges, economic partnership, to even Russia providing cover for Iranian violations of international law in multilateral institutions.

This event explored the motivations and goals driving Russia and Iran to grow closer, how the ongoing war in Ukraine and in the Middle East impacts their partnership, and the challenges – as well as opportunities – that their relationship presents for U.S. interests in the region.

Panelists:

• Dr. Mark Katz – Professor Emeritus of Government and Politics, George Mason University, Schar School of Policy and Government
• Martha Miller – Senior Fellow, National Security Institute
• Dr. Ray Takeyh – Hasib J. Sabbagh Senior Fellow for Middle East Studies, Council on Foreign Relations
• Behnam Ben Taleblu – Senior Fellow, Foundation for Defense of Democracies

Moderator:

• Andrew Borene – Former Senior Officer, Office of the Director of National Intelligence

The NSI Cyber and Tech Center hosted an event exploring generative AI and its vast implications for U.S. national security. We explored the opportunities and challenges AI poses for our national security and defense community – including the military, intelligence agencies, and other security stakeholders. It also analyzed how the U.S. can continue to promote AI innovation and defend against AI threats.

Speakers: 

• Paul Lekas, Head of Global Public Policy, Software & Information Industry Association
• Katrina M. Mulligan, National Security Policy and Partnerships, OpenAI
• Jamil N. Jaffer, Founder and Executive Director, National Security Institute (moderator)