Strategic Security Think Tanks and Critical Technologies: A Global Overview

 Strategic Security Think Tanks and Critical Technologies: A Global Overview

Introduction
In an era marked by rapid technological advancement and intensifying geopolitical competition, the intersection of security and emerging technologies has become a focal point for governments, industries, and research institutions worldwide. Think tanks specializing in strategic security and critical technologies play a pivotal role in analyzing trends, informing policy, and providing insight into the implications of technological innovation for national and international security.

This article explores the leading global think tanks dedicated to strategic security and critical technology issues, their primary areas of focus, and the specific critical technologies under observation. Drawing from the latest comparative analysis, we provide an in-depth look at the institutions shaping the debate on technological security and offer a detailed breakdown of the critical technologies that are driving policy and research agendas.

1. Leading Think Tanks in Strategic Security and Technology

1.1 Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) – Australia
    Main Focus:
    Critical technologies
    Indo-Pacific security
    Chinese technological surveillance
    Cybersecurity

Key Activities:

ASPI tracks 64 critical technologies, with a particular emphasis on China’s leadership in these domains. The institute provides interactive databases and analyses on global technology supply chains and the strategic implications of technological advancements.(From what I could find out, the Chinese already master more than 57 of these critical technologies).

1.2 Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) – United States
Main Focus:
Defense policy
US-China technological competition
Cybersecurity
Intelligence

Key Activities:
CSIS conducts studies on AI governance, semiconductor supply chains, military-technological cooperation, and Chinese innovation. Its research supports policymakers in understanding and responding to the challenges posed by emerging technologies.

1.3 Brookings Institution – United States
Main Focus:
Technology and digital governance
AI regulation
Democratic and social impacts of technology

Key Activities:
Brookings produces reports on responsible AI, digital sovereignty, misinformation, and global technology legislation, providing a comprehensive perspective on the societal implications of technological change.

1.4 RAND Corporation – United States
Main Focus:
Defense and conflict simulation
Hybrid warfare
National security innovation

Key Activities:
RAND is renowned for its predictive conflict models, research on military autonomy, and analysis of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, offering strategic foresight for defense planning.

1.5 Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) – United Kingdom
Main Focus:
Defense
Cybersecurity
Military artificial intelligence
Technological conflict

Key Activities:
RUSI provides reports on the regulation of military AI, technological warfare, and the roles of NATO, China, and Russia in the evolving security landscape.

1.6 European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) – European Union
Main Focus:
European strategic autonomy
Digital sovereignty
Technology regulation and security

Key Activities:
EUISS studies Europe’s technological dependencies, chip supply chains, European cyber defense, and common technology policies, supporting the EU’s quest for technological sovereignty.

1.7 International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) – United Kingdom/Singapore
Main Focus:
Global military balance
AI in defense
Asian surveillance
Strategic competition

Key Activities:
IISS publishes “The Military Balance” and analyzes lethal autonomy and the technological arms race, with a particular focus on Asia-Pacific security dynamics.

1.8 National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS) – Japan
Main Focus:
Asian military modernization
China and North Korea
Regional deterrence

Key Activities:
NIDS publishes assessments of Chinese technological capabilities and reviews defense strategies in East Asia, contributing to regional security analysis.

2. Critical Technologies Under Observation

A central theme across these think tanks is the identification and monitoring of “critical technologies” those that have the potential to reshape security, economic competitiveness, and global power balances. Below is a detailed overview of the principal critical technologies under observation, as tracked by leading institutions such as ASPI and CSIS.

2.1 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
Autonomous systems (military and civilian)
AI governance and ethics
Predictive analytics for conflict and security
AI-driven surveillance and facial recognition

2.2 Semiconductors and Microelectronics
Advanced chip manufacturing
Supply chain security
Next-generation processors
Quantum semiconductors

2.3 Quantum Technologies
Quantum computing
Quantum communications
Quantum cryptography

2.4 Cybersecurity and Cryptography
Cyber defense systems
Encryption technologies
Critical infrastructure protection
Cyberattack simulation and response

2.5 Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology
Genetic engineering
Biosecurity
CRISPR and gene editing
Synthetic vaccines and bio-manufacturing

2.6 Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
Smart materials
Nano-fabrication
Materials for defense and aerospace

2.7 Space Technologies
Satellite communications
Space-based surveillance
Anti-satellite weaponry
Space launch systems

2.8 Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
Autonomous land and sea vehicles
Swarm robotics

2.9 5G/6G and Advanced Telecommunications
Next-generation wireless networks
Secure communications infrastructure
Internet of Things (IoT) security

2.10 Energy Technologies
Nuclear energy advancements
Battery and storage technologies
Renewable energy systems

2.11 Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
Rapid prototyping for defense
On-demand manufacturing
Complex component fabrication

2.12 Sensors and Imaging
Advanced radar and lidar
Hyperspectral imaging
Remote sensing for surveillance

2.13 Advanced Computing
High-performance computing (HPC)
Edge computing
Cloud infrastructure security

 3. Comparative Table of Think Tanks and Their Focus Areas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. The Global Race for Technological Superiority

 4.1 China’s Leadership and Global Competition

One of the most significant findings from the comparative analysis is the recognition of China’s growing leadership in several critical technology domains. ASPI’s tracking of 64 technologies highlights China’s strong position in fields such as AI, quantum communications, and advanced manufacturing. This has prompted other nations, especially the United States and its allies, to invest heavily in research, supply chain security, and technological innovation to maintain competitiveness.

4.2 Supply Chain Security and Strategic Autonomy
The COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions have underscored the vulnerability of global technology supply chains. Think tanks such as EUISS and ASPI emphasize the need for strategic autonomy, particularly in semiconductors and digital infrastructure, to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and enhance resilience.

4.3 Regulation, Governance, and Ethical Implications
Institutions like Brookings and RUSI are at the forefront of debates on the governance and regulation of emerging technologies. The responsible development of AI, the prevention of misinformation, and the establishment of international norms for military use of technology are central concerns.

5. Challenges and Future Directions

5.1 Balancing Innovation and Security
The dual-use nature of many critical technologies presents a challenge: fostering innovation while mitigating security risks. Think tanks advocate for robust policy frameworks that encourage technological advancement without compromising national security.

5.2 International Cooperation and Competition
While technological competition is intensifying, there is also recognition of the need for international cooperation to address shared risks such as cyber threats, biosecurity, and space governance. Multilateral dialogue and coordinated policy responses are essential for managing the global impact of critical technologies.

5.3 Monitoring and Adapting to Rapid Change
The pace of technological change requires continuous monitoring and agile policy adaptation. Think tanks play a crucial role in providing timely analysis and foresight to help governments and organizations anticipate and respond to emerging threats and opportunities.

Conclusion

The landscape of strategic security and critical technologies is dynamic, complex, and increasingly central to global power dynamics. Leading think tanks such as ASPI, CSIS, Brookings, RAND, RUSI, EUISS, IISS, and NIDS are instrumental in shaping understanding, informing policy, and guiding responses to the challenges and opportunities presented by critical technologies. As technological innovation accelerates, the role of these institutions in monitoring, analyzing, and advising on security implications will only grow in importance.

A clear understanding of the critical technologies under observation ranging from AI and semiconductors to quantum computing and biotechnology is essential for policymakers, industry leaders, and the public. Navigating the risks and harnessing the potential of these technologies will define the security and prosperity of nations in the decades to come.

References

Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI)
ASPI. (2023). Critical Technology Tracker. https://www.aspi.org.au/report/critical-technology-tracker
ASPI. (2022). China’s Technology Dominance: Tracking 64 Critical Technologies. https://www.aspi.org.au/report/chinas-technology-dominance
Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
CSIS. (2023). Artificial Intelligence and National Security. https://www.csis.org/programs/technology-policy-program/artificial-intelligence
CSIS. (2022). Semiconductors and U.S.-China Competition. https://www.csis.org/analysis/semiconductors-and-us-china-competition
Brookings Institution
Brookings Institution. (2023). Governing AI: Upholding Democratic Values in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. https://www.brookings.edu/research/governing-ai-upholding-democratic-values-in-the-age-of-artificial-intelligence/
Brookings Institution. (2022). Digital Sovereignty and the Global Technology Order. https://www.brookings.edu/research/digital-sovereignty-and-the-global-technology-order/
RAND Corporation
RAND Corporation. (2023). Emerging Technologies and National Security. https://www.rand.org/topics/emerging-technologies.html
RAND Corporation. (2022). Artificial Intelligence and Conflict Simulation. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR3139.html
Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)
RUSI. (2023). Military Artificial Intelligence: Regulation and Ethics. https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/military-artificial-intelligence-regulation-and-ethics
RUSI. (2022). Technology, Security and the Future of Warfare. https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/occasional-papers/technology-security-and-future-warfare
European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS)
EUISS. (2023). European Strategic Autonomy and Critical Technologies. https://www.iss.europa.eu/topics/technology-and-security
EUISS. (2022). Securing Europe’s Digital Sovereignty. https://www.iss.europa.eu/content/securing-europes-digital-sovereignty
International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
IISS. (2023). The Military Balance 2023. https://www.iiss.org/publications/the-military-balance
IISS. (2022). Lethal Autonomy and the Arms Race. https://www.iiss.org/blogs/analysis/2022/12/lethal-autonomy-and-the-arms-race
National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS)
NIDS. (2023). East Asian Strategic Review 2023. http://www.nids.mod.go.jp/english/publication/east-asian/index.html
NIDS. (2022). China’s Military Modernization and Technology Capabilities. http://www.nids.mod.go.jp/english/publication/kiyo/pdf/2022/bulletin_e2022_2.pdf