FutureShield: A Foresight Workshop in National Strategy
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
Spring 5-3-2025
Keywords
Foresight, National Strategy, Training, International Relations, National Security Planning
Abstract
Strategic foresight enhances national security by enabling security practitioners and policymakers to anticipate emerging threats, identify vulnerabilities, and develop proactive strategies to mitigate risks before they materialize. Consequently, national security practitioners must be introduced to foresight. The United States (U.S.) provides national security planning education to its allies and partners to achieve this. However, questions remain about whether this education fully incorporates the elements necessary to sustain long-term national security. Research was conducted on the defense strategies of the U.S. and selected partner nations, focusing on U.S.-led national strategy education and the inclusion of foresight methodologies. The study examined the national security strategies of the U.S., Poland, Moldova, and Taiwan. It also reviewed courses and publications on foresight, national security, strategy, resilience, and resistance. Furthermore, interviews were conducted with subject matter experts in foresight, strategy, national security, and resilience and resistance. Findings indicate that while U.S.-led strategy education provides significant value to its partners, it does not adequately integrate foresight methodologies. The U.S. should incorporate foresight training into its education programs with partner nations. The first step and result of this research was the creation of a foresight workshop, FutureShield. This workshop demonstrates the relevance of foresight to national security planning and prepares national security practitioners and policymakers for uncertain and complex security challenges.
Recommended Citation
Leffler, Lori L., "FutureShield: A Foresight Workshop in National Strategy" (2025). College of Arts and Cultural Studies Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL) Projects. 15.
https://digitalshowcase.oru.edu/coacs_dsl_projects/15
