Academic center · Policy · Washington, DC · Est. 2019
The Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) is a policy research organization within Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service. It provides decision-makers with data-driven analysis on the security implications of emerging technologies, with current focus areas including artificial intelligence (AI), advanced computing, and biotechnology.
CSET distinguishes itself by combining policy analysis with data science capabilities and large-scale data holdings, and by translating findings into practical outputs for policymakers—through reports, policy briefs, testimony, public data visualizations and trackers, and an internal translation service for significant foreign-language materials that support its research agenda. CSET also runs several initiatives designed to extend its research infrastructure beyond internal use, including the Emerging Technology Observatory, which develops data products for external visibility into emerging technology trends, and the Foundational Research Grants program, which supports longer-horizon technical work relevant to the national security implications of AI. The center is currently led by Executive Director Helen Toner (with prior interim leadership announced in 2025), and it maintains research and public-facing programs spanning AI governance, export controls, cyber (CyberAI), biotech risk, workforce/talent, and related security-policy questions.
CSET’s Kathleen Curlee and Sam Bresnick shared their expert analysis in an op-ed published by Foreign Affairs. The article examines China’s rapidly expanding commercial space industry and military space capabilities, exploring how advances in reusable rockets, satellite constella
Should We Track AI Chips?CSET’s Jacob Feldgoise, Kyle Miller, and Hanna Dohmen dove deep into investigating how location verification methods can—and cannot—improve enforcement of export controls on powerful AI chips, culminating in their report. I sat down with Jacob to learn more about the issue, their
The Triumph of Tech-Fueled PropagandaCSET’s Josh A. Goldstein co-authored an op-ed with Renée DiResta in Foreign Affairs. The article examines how foreign influence operations are evolving as governments combine traditional propaganda, social media, covert networks, influencers, and artificial intelligence to shape
China has cracked down on AI relationships. Is it ahead of the game?CSET’s Sam Bresnick shared his expert insight in an article published by BBC. The article examines China’s new regulations on AI companions and the country’s efforts to address concerns around emotional dependency, child safety, and the broader social effects of human-like AI sys
What America and China Fear Most About AICSET’s Helen Toner joined Foreign Affairs for a discussion with Kyle Chan on U.S.-China competition and cooperation in artificial intelligence. The post What America and China Fear Most About AI appeared first on Center for Security and Emerging Technology .
Will the AI accord have any meaningful impact? Panel weighs inCSET’s Helen Toner shared her expert insight in an interview with NewsNation’s On Balance. The interview discussed a new binding agreement between President Trump and AI developers to regulate the development and use of artificial intelligence. The post Will the AI accord have an
China’s AI agents can lie and scheme – just like their US rivalsCSET’s Colin Shea-Blymyer shared his expert insight in an article published by Reuters. The article examines the development of AI in China and the growing challenges and risks associated with increasingly capable AI systems. The post China’s AI agents can lie and scheme – just l
Tracking AI Chips: What Does It Cost?In an accompanying report , we found that two methods are best for verifying the location of AI chips: ping-based location verification (PLV) and physical inspections. This piece compares these two methods through a cost-benefit analysis and shows that PLV is the more cost-effect
CSET’s Kathleen Curlee and Sam Bresnick shared analysis in an op-ed published by Nikkei Asia about China’s reusable rocket progress and potential competitive implications.
Coalition Operations: The Untapped Role of AI in Military Decision-MakingCSET published a September 2026 report evaluating how AI-enabled decision support systems may affect U.S. coalition operations and what hurdles could affect adoption.
Expanded Collaboration to Boost Critical AI Governance Data and Tracking ToolCSET announced an expanded partnership to grow AGORA (AI Governance and Regulatory Archive), continuing Purdue’s GRAIL partnership and adding teams from MIT’s AI Risk Initiative and Carnegie Mellon’s EncyclopAIdia.
Outpaced: AI and Policy’s Role in Transforming Cybersecurity ComplianceCSET published an August 2026 report examining how the Authorization to Operate (ATO) and the broader Risk Management Framework affect the delivery of secure AI-enabled technology to warfighters, and recommending approaches to reform.
Helen Toner: the Hugging Face hack was just a matter of time and exposes a huge blind spot in AI policyCSET highlighted a Fortune op-ed by Helen Toner arguing that oversight should expand beyond pre-release testing to address risks from advanced AI systems used internally by companies.
When cheap AI becomes a secret weaponCSET shared an external Politico newsletter segment in which Sam Bresnick discussed evolving U.S.–China AI competition and risks associated with lower-cost Chinese AI models.