National Defense University 2008 Topical Symposium

2008 Topical Symposium
Meeting Complex Challenges Through National Security Reform

Organized by

The Institute for National Strategic Studies

at
National Defense University
300 5th Avenue
Fort Lesley J. McNair
Washington, DC 20319
Phone: 202-685-3857 Fax: 202-685-3866

16-17 October 2008

Symposium overview

Historic events have preceded each of the major reforms to the architecture of U.S. National Security: the National Security Act of 1947 after World War II; the Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986 in the wake of Vietnam and post-Vietnam uses of force; and the creation of the Department of Homeland Defense and reorganization of the intelligence community after September 11, 2001. Since the last round of reforms, significant efforts have been made by various organizations and commissions to analyze the current structure and operations of the National Security Organization as it is today. Some have been narrowly focused, others more broad and encompassing.

The next Administration will have no shortage of advice pouring in from myriad commissions, and think tanks, and the purpose of this symposium is to preview some of those efforts with the intent of better understanding whether and how reform is possible. This symposium will assemble key scholars, officials, and practitioners to discuss the prospects of national security reform. We will also look intently at the key implications for the Department of Defense and other agencies involved with the security of our nation and national security policy development for the coming years.

The program is open to the public. Participants are expected from government, business, universities, and research institutes from the United States and abroad.

Key concepts:

Speakers will include U.S. military officers, government officials, and think-tank researchers (government and non-governmental)
Presentations will be covered by NDU non-attribution guidelines, (similar to “Chatham House” rule), with willing participants available for on-the-record interviews

Featured speakers include current and former senior government officials and civilian scholars. Agenda and other information is available at: http://www.ndu.edu/inss/symposia/Top2008/agenda.htm

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