AI and National Security: Navigating the Future of Global Power

Jun 1, 2026 - Jun 3, 2026

Course Description

Artificial intelligence is not just transforming industries—it is redefining global power, security, and governance. From economic competition and digital sovereignty to military innovation and democratic resilience, AI now sits at the center of international relations and national-security decision-making.

This intensive three-day executive program examines how AI is reshaping geopolitics, security strategy, and global governance. Participants will engage with world-class faculty, expert practitioners, and peer leaders to explore AI’s strategic implications across great power competition, international diplomacy, ethical governance, and defense innovation.

Through dynamic lectures, expert-led discussions, and real-world case studies, the program equips leaders with the analytical tools and strategic frameworks necessary to navigate the rapidly evolving AI-powered global landscape.

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for:

Senior government officials and policymakers
Defense and national security professionals
Executives in technology, cybersecurity, and emerging industries
International affairs and global strategy leaders
Policy advisors, analysts, and consultants

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

Analyze AI in Geopolitical Competition and Cooperation
Assess how AI functions as both a catalyst and constraint in global power dynamics. Examine national strategies, transnational interests, and the implications of AI for international cooperation, competition, and conflict.
Evaluate Ethical, Political, and Social Risks
Critically examine regional and country-level case studies where AI-driven policies generate political, economic, and social risks. Analyze issues including bias, surveillance, human rights, and governance frameworks.
Develop Strategic Frameworks for AI Adoption
Formulate strategies for navigating the geopolitical landscape shaped by AI. Balance innovation and collaboration opportunities with risks related to security, regulation, and ethical oversight to ensure responsible AI integration.

Visit the New Executive Education Programs page for additional information.

This course does not convey academic credit and is not included on a JHU Academic Transcript. This course is intended for personal and professional skills enrichment. Any certificate earned for the successful completion of this course is intended for proof of completion only.

Location, Date and Time

Format: In-Person
Location: Hopkins Bloomberg Center, 555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC
Date: Monday, June 1 – Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM ET Daily

NOTE: Enrollment closes Wednesday, May 27 at 11:55 PM.

Program Schedule

Day One: AI, Power, and Global Competition

What Is AI? Foundations and Core Concepts
The Evolution—and Future—of Artificial Intelligence
Vital Technical Concepts: Scaling Laws
The Geopolitics of AI: Power, Ethics, and Global Competition
AI as a Catalyst in Great Power Competition
Digital Sovereignty in the Age of AI
Emerging AI Rivalries
Interactive Case Study: AI in U.S.–China Relations

Day Two: Ethics, Trust, and the Human Dimension

The Human Element in AI’s Future
Bias, Fairness, Transparency, and Alignment
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Superintelligence
Trust and Decision-Making in the Age of AI
The Future Trajectory of AI Development
Interactive Case Study: Global Leaders in AI Development

Day Three: Security, Conflict, and Strategic Risk

The Weaponization of AI and Global Security Implications
AI and Military Innovation: Opportunity, Hype, and Implementation
AI in Authoritarian Contexts and Implications for Democratic States
AI’s Capacity to Persuade, Influence, and Misinform
Interactive Case Study: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of Conflict
Capstone Roundtable Discussion

Teaching Methodology

The program combines:
Faculty-led lectures grounded in cutting-edge research
Structured peer discussions
Real-world geopolitical case studies
Interactive exercises and roundtables
Strategic frameworks for executive decision-making

Course Policies

JHU ALUMNI ENROLLMENT

JHU Alumni are eligible for a 50% registration discount for SAIS executive education courses. If you are a JHU alum, please contact ExecEdSAIS@jh.edu* prior to enrollment for verification and to receive your unique promo code. NOTE: Non-SAIS alumni may be waitlisted if a course exceeds the registration cap.

Upon receipt, you will return to the course registration page to enter your promo code and complete the registration process.

Please do not use your JHU Alumni email to register for courses (this email account will not work with the registration platform). We recommend you register using a non-JHU email such as Gmail or Outlook.

LEARNING PREREQUISITES

None

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Hardware: laptop computer; webcam; microphone and speakers or headset. Software: current web browser; Canvas; Zoom web conferencing; Microsoft Office or similar; Email; course specific software

COURSE LIFECYCLE

After registering you will receive an email confirming your registration. You will be given access to a Canvas course that includes complete course information. You will have access to the Canvas course for the duration of the course.

PARTICIPANT CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

In the event a participant can no longer attend a program, a withdrawal request must be emailed to ExecEdSAIS@jhu.edu*. A full refund will be provided if the request is submitted at least 21 days prior to the program start. Withdrawal requests submitted outside of this deadline will not be eligible for a refund and are therefore obligated to pay the full program tuition.

COURSE CANCELLATION POLICY

Program dates, fees, and faculty may be subject to change. If a course must be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, SAIS Executive Education will refund the full program tuition. However, SAIS is not liable for travel, accommodation, or any other expenses incurred by the participant. Changes to the program or schedule will be communicated via email, and alternative program dates will be provided once available.

ACCESSIBILITY

JHU SAIS is committed to providing all participants with the opportunity to pursue excellence in their academic endeavors. This includes providing disability related accommodations and services in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and our goal of delivering accessible, inclusive experiences. If you require accommodations to complete this course, please reach out to EDT@jhu.edu*.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Direct all technical support requests to the SAIS Educational Design and Technology office email: EDT@jhu.edu*. We will respond to requests within 24-48 hours. Requests received on weekends, overnights and holidays will be responded to on the next business day.

ACCREDITATION

JHU is not approved by Middle States for direct assessment credentials for academic credit. This course results in a certificate of completion. It will not show on any JHU transcripts and does not count toward an academic record.

*Do not share any personal identifiable information (PII) such as social security number or grades in any messages to EDT@jhu.edu or ExecEdSAIS@jh.edu.  

Full course description