In terms of both resources and output, the UK research sector is under serious strain. For the United Kingdom to continue to be a leader in the increasingly competitive space of global research and innovation (R&I), the machinery of the system should be tested and updated. ‘The important thing is to never stop questioning.’ Albert… Continue reading Doing Research Better: The Role of Metascience in the UK Research Sector
Category: Intel
Iran and the Logic of Limited Wars
Israel’s air war against Iran—“Operation Rising Lion”—may be over, but the controversy surrounding the attacks lives on. One key question is whether the U.S. strikes on the Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” succeeded in obliterating the deeply buried Fordow site or merely incapacitated it for a few months.… Continue reading Iran and the Logic of Limited Wars
For the UK’s Early Years Education Workforce, Professional Development Should Be a Priority, Not a Perk
The early years education sector in the United Kingdom asks a lot of its workforce. Practitioners are expected to support children’s language, numeracy, social-emotional development, and more—often in settings stretched for time, staff, and resources. The training and professional development support needed to help staff meet these high expectations has traditionally been lacking. This is… Continue reading For the UK’s Early Years Education Workforce, Professional Development Should Be a Priority, Not a Perk
Mitigating Emerging Human Intelligence Challenges with Forecasting
Human intelligence (HUMINT) has long been an informational cornerstone of the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC), providing crucial insights into the intentions and actions of foreign adversaries. Yet, as highlighted in a recent Washington Post article, the CIA’s ability to recruit and leverage human sources abroad may be facing significant challenges. This reported decline in HUMINT… Continue reading Mitigating Emerging Human Intelligence Challenges with Forecasting
U.S.-Allied Militaries Must Prepare for the Quantum Threat to Cryptography
Quantum computers could eventually pose huge risks to the security of encrypted information, including national security information. There are two possible countermeasures to this threat. The U.S. government has clearly stated which one it plans to pursue, but not all U.S.-allied governments have articulated a clear position. Allied governments, especially militaries, should clarify their strategy… Continue reading U.S.-Allied Militaries Must Prepare for the Quantum Threat to Cryptography
Instead of Nuclear Weapons, Give Poland a Nuclear Umbrella
Since Poland’s new president and prime minister are strong on defense, questions about the country’s nuclear future may come more to the fore. In response, Poland could seek its own nuclear weapons, become a host for NATO weapons, or turn to France and the United Kingdom for protection. In March, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said… Continue reading Instead of Nuclear Weapons, Give Poland a Nuclear Umbrella
What the Trade War Reveals About China’s Vulnerabilities and Power
The United States and China stepped away from the brink of a near embargo of bilateral trade on May 12. The countries had entered an escalatory spiral after the Trump administration announced new tariffs in April. By April 11, tariffs on both sides had reached prohibitive levels. The Geneva negotiations allowed both sides to unwind… Continue reading What the Trade War Reveals About China’s Vulnerabilities and Power
Disbanding the PKK: Political Engagement as the Key to Ending Insurgencies
The recent decision by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to disarm and disband has important lessons for any country facing a seemingly intractable insurgency. On May 12, the group stated that following its 12th Congress it will “dissolve the PKK’s organizational structure and end the armed struggle method.” The organisation has said that it will… Continue reading Disbanding the PKK: Political Engagement as the Key to Ending Insurgencies
We’ll Be Arguing for Years Whether Large Language Models Can Make New Scientific Discoveries
When OpenAI released its newest AI models o3 and o4-mini in April, its president Greg Brockman made an intriguing claim: “These are the first models where top scientists tell us they produce legitimately good and useful novel ideas.” If AI can indeed make scientific discoveries, that would not only have practical impacts for society but… Continue reading We’ll Be Arguing for Years Whether Large Language Models Can Make New Scientific Discoveries
Reimagining School Meals to Improve Health for All Children
Some may think free school meals are a welfare issue, but they are so much more. Free school meals are a major investment in our country’s future. Nutrition and healthy diets are important parts of children’s health. Obesity is one preventable diet-related disease that continues to affect too many children in the United States. The… Continue reading Reimagining School Meals to Improve Health for All Children