Experts at a New York summit addressed how the U.S. can adapt its counterterrorism strategy to emerging threats like AI and evolving global security challenges.

Twenty-five years after the 9/11 attacks, experts gathered at the Soufan Center’s Global Summit on Terrorism and Political Violence in New York City to discuss the future of U.S. counterterrorism. While global jihadism remains a concern, the U.S. is shifting its focus toward great-power competition and the risks posed by rapidly evolving technologies like artificial intelligence.

Emerging Technological Threats

Former Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency director Jen Easterly warned that AI could enable hostile actors to generate instructions for cyber, biological, and radiological weapons. She noted that groups like Boko Haram are already using AI for propaganda and attack planning, describing the pace of these developments as a race toward a world-class marathon speed.

International Partnerships and Strategy

Experts emphasized that maintaining international partnerships is essential for understanding and countering threats like drones and cyberattacks. Former National Security Council official Chris Costa stressed that the U.S. must share lessons with allies, noting that adversaries are constantly learning and adapting their tactics.

FBI Cyber Strategy Update

The FBI recently released its first unclassified cyber strategy, which aligns with a broader doctrine advocating for offensive cyber operations. The strategy directs all 56 FBI field offices to pursue counter-cyber efforts, including through partnerships with private companies like Microsoft and CrowdStrike to address nation-state threats.