What Belfer Defense, Emerging Technology, and Strategy does
Belfer Defense, Emerging Technology, and Strategy (DETS) is a research and training program within the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. DETS focuses on defense policy issues and on the implications of emerging technologies for international security strategy—specifically including artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, space, synthetic biology/biosecurity, and related areas such as crypto/digital currencies and cyber risk. In parallel, DETS emphasizes “strategy execution,” aiming to improve how public-sector organizations plan and implement security initiatives tied to technology.
Programmatically, DETS describes a dual mission: (1) advance policy-relevant knowledge and strategy at the intersection of security and emerging technology, and (2) prepare future leaders for public service in relevant arenas. The program’s work includes research, events, and training opportunities, and it maintains a “National Security Fellowship” component (listed under the program’s navigation).