National security is becoming inextricably linked with cloud computing and AI—and this year’s Munich Security Conference solidified that fact. International statesmen met with technology leaders to discuss cloud infrastructure resilience, AI and automated defense systems, and the evolving dynamic between digital sovereignty and interoperability. But how will defense institutions balance the pressure to automate quickly without outrunning the workforce’s ability to trust the systems they depend on? And what developments in AI aren’t getting nearly enough attention from defense and policy leaders?

Shane interviews Michael Greenwald, Director of Global Executive Relations at Amazon Web Services. Michael Greenwald joins us to discuss Munich, global defense alliances, and how AWS’s unique sovereign-by-design architecture powers innovation is secure, scalable AI and Cloud infrastructure. His previous experience as the US Treasury Department’s financial attaché to Qatar and Kuwait, paired with his deep understanding of technology systems, makes him an ideal guest to discuss the future of national security and automation.

As artificial intelligence becomes a key part of national infrastructure, developers across the United States are rushing to build large data centers in many regions. Many of these areas haven’t seen this level of industrial growth in decades, and these projects appear to bring the promise of jobs and economic growth to communities that need it. Despite the potential for renewed prosperity, local residents are opposing data centers. Most cite environmental impacts and increasing energy costs as major concerns. Are these worries based in reality? If not, where are they originating from, and how can we address these narratives?

To discuss this, I am joined by Lynne Kiesling and Steve DelBianco. Lynne is a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where she leads the Electricity Technology, Regulation, and Market Design Working Group. She also directs the Institute for Regulatory Law and Economics at the Northwestern University Center on Law, Business, and Economics, and is a member of the US Department of Energy’s Electricity Advisory Committee. Steve is the president and CEO of NetChoice, where he collaborates with its members to protect online free enterprise and free expression. He is a seasoned expert on internet governance.

The GPS is essential to modern navigation, communication, and critical infrastructure. However, the United States faces serious threats to GPS technology, many of which are rarely discussed publicly. In addition to the looming threat from Russian and Chinese weaponry, increasing orbital debris and severe space weather have the potential to damage or destroy American satellites, causing a complete collapse of our navigational systems. A sustained disruption could significantly impair navigation, timing, and communications systems nationwide.

America has more satellites than any other country, and our economy depends heavily on space-based positioning, navigation, and timing services. Former members of the National Security Council and outside advisers have called GPS “a single point of failure for America.”

To discuss this matter, Shane is joined by two experts in GPS policy. Dana A. Goward is president of the Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation and a former member of the National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Advisory Board, which advises the government on GPS policy. He took this role after retiring from service in the Coast Guard and as the United States maritime navigation authority. Also joining Shane is Coast Guard Rear Admiral Jeff Hathaway (ret.), a longtime navigator and board member of the foundation.