Study Group with the Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas: Is Our Country's Infrastructure Safe: The Promise and Threat of Technological Advance, from Cyber Tools to Artificial Intelligence and Beyond

Description

New technologies are advancing at an unprecedented pace and on an historic scale. Their transformational capabilities can deliver extraordinary advances in the security of our nation’s critical infrastructure, from our communications systems and food and agriculture industries to public health, financial services, transportation systems, and more. Yet, in the hands of adversaries, these tools become weapons with the potential for grave harm. The rewards and the risks are extraordinary, and the geopolitical, policy, and operational issues involved are immensely complex. 

We will explore the already realized and the potential future impacts of our technological advances on the safety and security of our country’s critical infrastructure, and the varied policy and operational implications they involve.

IN-PERSON GUEST:
David Cohen, former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorist Financing, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency

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Featuring

  • Alejandro Mayorkas
    IOP Fall 2026 Resident Fellow; U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security (2021-2025)
  • David Cohen
    Former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorist Financing, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
Associated Program:
Fellows & Study Groups
Event Types:
Study Groups

Attendance Information

Audience Notes

These off-the-record conversations are open to members of the Harvard community. Please RSVP with a valid Harvard email address.

Off-The-Record

In keeping with our long tradition at the IOP to ensure honest and candid discussions of politics, all IOP study groups are off-the-record.

Accessibility

The IOP encourages persons with disabilities to participate in our programs. If you have questions about accommodations or the physical access provided, please contact 617-495-1360 or iop_info@hks.harvard.edu in advance of the event.