Human and Technical Networks Group

Welcome to the group on Human and Technical Networks.
Innovations in technical networks within just one generation have transformed economic and social relations, including those vital to military strategy and human security. New highly networked social structures have emerged; some of these represent dangerous threats to security while others represent hopeful possibilities for improving the human condition. For the national security structure of the United States, it is clear that these changes must accompanied by technological innovation and research-based education for leadership development. Several recent institutional forms, Provincial Reconstruction Teams, US Navy Global Fleet Stations and Africa Command, point to a new kind of work and a new generation of leadership, building global partnerships with civilian and military components. In response to crises as for example when disaster strikes, the need is immediate for cross—sector, quickly formed and self-generating networks. New emphasis in US security strategy on the prevention of conflict will require more holistic understanding of complex, dynamic and highly networked environments.