Anticipatory Intelligence students at the undergraduate, graduate certificate, and master's level complete in-depth research projects on emergent security challenges deriving from advancing technology, a changing natural environment, shifting social trends, and more – looking across disciplines at "Wicked Problems" whose second- and third-order effects ripple far beyond a single field. Students are trained to write in a hybrid policy-academic style, emphasizing bottom line up front (BLUF) and focusing on breaking down the what (the substantive explanation of the problem set), so what (the significance and/or potential impact of the problem set), and now what (a policy recommendation package for the institutions and decisionmakers with responsibility over the problem set).
This page features a sampling of standout CAI student research reports covering a wide range of security issues. Reports reflect research work done in various CAI courses and capstone projects. Views expressed are students' own, not those of USU or CAI. Come back in Summer 2023 for an updated database including student papers and projects from 2021-2023!
CAI Student Research Report on the vulnerabilities inherent to fifth generation telecommunications (5G) and security consequences for individuals, business, and government.
CAI Student Research Report examining the history and current state of play of Russian information operations, including in leveraging modern media and technology platforms.
CAI Student Research Report on the impact of blockchain-based currencies on the financial safeguards underpinning the international nuclear nonproliferation regime.
CAI Student Research Report on the deleterious impact of climate change-driven permafrost melt on Alaska's key industrial infrastructure and residential communities.
CAI Student Research Report on the critical cyber vulnerabilities confronting both military and civilian aviation in the US, including air traffic control, flight control, logistics systems, and GPS systems vulnerabilities.
CAI Student Research Report on the epidemic of ransomware attacks against healthcare entities due to poor cybersecurity, leading to illicit sale of personal health information.
CAI Student Research Report on the systemic cyber vulnerabilities to government, business, and individuals presented by the rapid rise in networked Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
CAI Student Research Report on the potential efficacy of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) to provide secure and sustainable energy in the face of threats to the conventional power grid.
CAI Student Research Report on key considerations for US missile defense development based on a sociocultural assessment of factors driving Russian and Chinese hypersonic missile development.
CAI Student Research Report on the rising Chinese export of smart surveillance technology underpinning digital authoritarianism and its adoption by the United Arab Emirates.
CAI Student Research Report on the challenges deriving from climate change that will affect the viability and sustainability of hydroelectric energy generation and storage.
CAI Student Research Report on government, private sector, and individual citizen vulnerabilities leveraged by the Spectre cyberattack series and its derivative variants.
CAI Student Research Report on the potential impact of solar flares and coronal mass ejections on critical ground and space infrastructure systems.
CAI Student Research Report on the complex threat-multiplier dynamics presented by climate change across the West Asia, North Africa, and Middle East region.
