In February 2009, experts from a range of fields converged at the George Washington University to discuss the financial crisis and its implications for the utility of foresight and the practicality of "Anticipatory Governance."

Click here for the post-conference report.

In April 2007, the Project on Forward Engagement held a four-day symposium to explore major "societal tsunamis" -- potential strategic surprises with the potential to powerfully disrupt governance. The three "Societal Tsunamis" included: (1) Environmental Dislocation (climate change), (2) Evolutionary Secession (converging technologies), and (3) Geopolitical Inversion (Politico-economic power shift to Asia). The 2007 meetings also explored the potential of networked governance as a response to these challenges. They further examined whether complexity theory adds value to characterization of these challenges.

In November 2006, the Project on Forward Engagement the Center for Technology in National Security Policy at the National Defense University held a symposium to explore the concept of "Networked Governance" as a means for a democratic society to enhance its receptiveness to information and better handle complexity.

Click here for the post-conference report.

Societal Tsunamis

Hosted by Leon Fuerth (Project on Forward Engagement at The George Washington University)

April 7, 2006, 9:00am – 3:00 pm

Alumni House
1925 F Street, N.W.
George Washington University
Washington, D.C., 20052

Speakers:

• Professor Leon Fuerth, George Washington University
• Clyde Prestowitz, Economic Strategy Institute
• Dr. David Jhirad, World Resources Institute
• Dr. William Bainbridge, National Science Foundation

Conference Background Information
Conference Attendee List
Conference Minutes

Hosted by Dr. Hans Binnendijk (National Defense University) and Professor Leon Fuerth (Project on Forward Engagement at The George Washington University)

March 3, 2006, 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.

National Defense University, Ft. McNair
Washington D.C. 20319
Marshall Hall (building 62) Room 155

Speakers:

• Dr. John Hiles, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School
• Dr. Barry Hughes, University of Denver
• Dr. Nazli Choucri, MIT
• Michael Baranick, Center for Technology and National Security Policy
• Dr. Rob Lempert, RAND/Evolving Logic Inc.
• Joseph Eash, former Deputy Under Secretary for Defense

Conference Attendee List
Conference Key Points
Conference Extended Discussion - Transcript