Leadership in a Global Crisis

Wednesday focused on the intersection of technology, strategy, and ethical leadership. 

The morning began with a National Security Homeland Security Investigations Tech Ops Tour, where interns rotated through real-world intelligence and security environments. They explored threat response teams and learned how human behavior, technology, and surveillance intersect to protect national interests. Hands-on demonstrations showcased the tools used in federal security operations, including surveillance technology, investigative software, and data analysis platforms, highlighting how these systems are deployed in national security missions across agencies. Interns gained insight into the technical backbone of threat detection and intelligence gathering in active security operations.

Following the Tech Ops Tour, interns participated in team meetings with Auwal, their international partner from Nigeria. These sessions gave each group the chance to reconnect with their university partners, ask clarifying questions, and fine-tune their proposals based on real-time feedback. Then, during group work time, teams applied insights from their meetings to revise key sections of their final presentations.

In the afternoon, interns attended a powerful lecture on Effective Leadership & Decision Making delivered by Gerald Gangaram. Drawing on his background in military service and strategic management, Gerald guided interns through the qualities that define strong leadership in high-pressure environments. He emphasized the value of integrity, adaptability, and clear communication, especially in national security contexts where stakes are high and timelines are tight.

The next session, Diplomacy Briefing on Eastern Europe and the EU, was led by Dr. Philip Brenner, a renowned expert in international relations. He provided interns with historical and contemporary context for the EU’s evolving role in global security and its relationship with Eastern European states. Interns explored the diplomatic tensions shaping the region today, including the challenges posed by NATO expansion, energy dependency, and conflict in Ukraine.

The day concluded with an impact lecture on the Fentanyl Crisis by Joshua Brodman. Interns learned about the national security implications of synthetic opioids. Joshua’s session challenged interns to think critically about the multifaceted strategies needed to combat drug networks and support affected communities.