Featured
A Strategic Vision for US AI Leadership: Supporting Security, Innovation, Democracy and Global Prosperity
A Strategic Vision for US AI Leadership: Supporting Security, Innovation, Democracy and Global Prosperity
Introduction Artificial Intelligence (AI) is more than a technological breakthrough—it is a transformative force shaping the future economy, security landscape, global power dynamics, and daily life. The US, along with its international allies and private sector leaders, must navigate a pivotal moment where their choices will determine whether AI advances democracy and human progress or […]
Learn MoreAmerica’s AI Export Strategy: Welcome Progress, but More Is Needed
America’s AI Export Strategy: Welcome Progress, but More Is Needed
In July, the U.S. government released its long-awaited national AI strategy. Alongside the main document, three executive orders were announced, including one focused squarely on promoting the export of the American AI technology stack. Former U.S. Chief Technology Officer Michael Kratsios underscored the ambition during his recent remarks at the APEC Digital and AI Ministers Meeting, […]
Learn MoreUniversities at the Frontline of the Tech Race
Universities at the Frontline of the Tech Race
This essay is part of my series The Innovative Imperative, which explores how innovation in education, research, and governance can strengthen our societies in the face of disruption. Today, I turn to the role of universities at the frontline of strategic competition. Why Universities Matter in Strategic Competition Strategic competition is no longer measured only in […]
Learn MoreInfrastructure That Binds and Builds Power
Infrastructure defines power—linking allies, securing chokepoints, and enabling the flow of goods, energy, and data. The goal: systems that empower, not entrap.
Subcategories
- Strategic Finance Tools
- Mobility and Trade Infrastructure
- Strategic Inputs Infrastructure
- Secure Digital Infrastructure
- Empowering Energy Infrastructure
Enhancing Resilience and Expanding Reach
Resilience must be realistic. Targeted production, diversified sourcing, and trade expansion reduce vulnerability while sustaining innovation and competitiveness.
Subcategories
- Industrial Renewal and Strategic Production
- Resilient Sourcing and Input Security
- Blunting Authoritarian Market Distortion
- Trade Expansion
- Information and Software Integrity
Securing Democratic Digital Dominance
Digital leadership is decisive. Democracies must lead in semiconductors, AI, networks, and space to ensure secure, open, and values-based systems prevail.
Subcategories
- Innovation Ecosystem Development
- Semiconductor Leadership
- Trusted AI and Cloud Infrastructure
- Open and Secure Networks
- Space and Quantum
Modernizing Alliances for Mutual Advantage
To compete at scale and speed, alliances must modernize—aligning across defense, trade, digital rules, and infrastructure to convert shared values into shared strength.
Subcategories
- Modern Alliance Architecture
- Rules, Interoperability, and Norms
- Coordinated Supply Chains and Industrial Policy
- Aligned Infrastructure Finance
- Defense Industrial Integration
Rajeev Dehejia
Faculty Co-Director
"To advance prosperity for all we need to connect rigorous development research with the systems that shape it—economics, governance, technology, and infrastructure."
Sadek Wahba
Chair of WISC GAC, DRI Senior Fellow
"Infrastructure is no longer just an economic issue—it's central to freedom, resilience, and strategic alignment. DRI with WISC ensures we think holistically and act decisively."
Mark Kennedy
Director, Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition
"Freedom rests on economic foundations. DRI with WISC brings together leading minds and policy actors to reinforce those foundations where development and strategic competition converge."
