01/23/2020 | Location: Ingersoll Hall 278 | Time: 12:00 - 1:30 pm
Title of Seminar: Religion and 360º strategic thinking: A View from Europe
Sean Oliver-Dee, Oxford University
ABSTRACT: The high-point for global Atheism was in 1970 (15%). Since then, the number of those worldwide claiming to have atheist beliefs has dropped to 13% and is predicted to drop further when it is surveyed again in 2020 (projected at 10%). Yet, despite this global decline, the Minority World (aka Developed World) remains highly reluctant to include religious motivations in analysing strategic trends and developments. In omitting this facet of human life from analysis, strategic planning could be said to be 270º rather than 360º. Given that the numbers suggest that religious adherence is growing rather than receding, this failure to include religious motivations in forecasting strategic needs is likely to increase the chances of the development of forecasting models that are fundamentally flawed and, therefore, not fit for purpose. For, whether it be the actions of President Putin in the Crimea, President Erdogan’s desire for a new Ottoman Caliphate, the regional power-games of Iran and Saudi Arabia, the Hindutva nationalism of the Modi government, or the threat of ISIS, the manifestations of religious adherence continue to impact the geo-political sphere. Mis-characterising or limiting analysis of the motivations and aims of actors to purely socio-economic or limited ethno-cultural facets of motivations will increase the chances of developing dangerously mis-construed policies and actions. This talk will explore the current and historical European engagement with religious-political issues and dynamics as a stimulus to thinking more widely about how Minority World policymakers can integrate religious trends and dynamics into other recognised facets of strategic thinking.
Sean’s bio:
Dr. Sean Oliver-Dee is a Research Associate at the Oxford Centre of Religion and Culture, Regents Park College, University of Oxford. His academic work combines history, theology, international relations and sociology. He has lectured and published on issues around the impact of religion in public life (including questions relating to citizenship, identity and belonging) both at the University of Oxford and at multiple other institutions in the UK, Europe, Asia and the US. His books and journal articles have analysed the approaches of western governments to their religious minorities (particularly Muslim) historically and currently, comparing British, US and French approaches in this context. Outside of academia Sean has been a consultant and contributing author on a number of government projects for both the British government and European Union. In 2018, he was the lead author for the British Ministry of Defence’s ‘Religious trends’ analysis for their ‘Global Strategic Trends’ publication (6th Edition). He is currently a contributing author for the European Union’s Joint Research Centre project: The Science of Values in the Political Process, which is seeking to provide a toolkit for policymakers at the EU on integrating values issues into policy development. Sean has also written a number of articles for media outlets on subjects including the Iran-Saudi confrontation and religious freedom issues.
02/12/2020 | Location: Ingersoll Hall 122 | Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Title of Seminar: Deliver Capability to the Warfighter - Faster!
Jeff Dunlap, NPS
Abstract: As technology advances in the commercial market, DoD is pivoting into new Acquisition Pathways that allow these capabilities to reach the warfighter quicker. The Middle-Tier Acquisition (MTA) Pathway takes capabilities that have a level of maturity to allow them to be rapidly prototyped within an acquisition program or fielded, within 5 years of MTA program start. DOD also began using new pathways referred to as middle-tier acquisition to rapidly prototype and field new weapon systems. Middle-tier programs are expected to field capabilities within 2 to 5 years. As of March 2019, military departments were using this authority for 35 unclassified programs.
Jeff Dunlap’s Bio:
CAPT Jeff Dunlap (USN ret.) is a lecturer at the Graduate School of Defense Management with significant acquisition experience during his 25 year career. After leaving military service, he entered the Defense Contractor field where he guided companies through the process of doing business with the Defense Department. A 92 NPS alumni, Jeff joined the Facility in January 2019 and teaches Program Management and Acquisition.
09/18/2020 | Location: TBD | Time: TBD
Title of Seminar: TBD
Chan Li, University of Kansas
Naval Postgraduate School 
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