Naval War College Foundation
Newport National Security Symposium
Deterrence at Sea: AI, Industrial Power, and Conflict in a Changing World
August 21, 2026
Hosted by the Naval War College Foundation, the Newport National Security Symposium convenes senior military leaders, policymakers, defense industry executives, academics, and national security experts for candid conversations on the strategic challenges shaping the future security environment.
Held under Chatham House Rule, the symposium provides a trusted forum for meaningful dialogue on emerging threats, defense innovation, geopolitical competition, and the evolving character of warfare.
About the Symposium
The Newport National Security Symposium is the Naval War College Foundation’s premier national security gathering, bringing together influential voices from across government, industry, academia, and the Joint Force.
Set against the historic backdrop of the U.S. Naval War College, the symposium fosters high-level discussion on the most pressing strategic issues facing the United States and its allies.
The event is designed to encourages thought provoking discussing and networking and in a private, in-person setting.
2026 Themes
The Future of Warfare: AI, Autonomy, and Decision Advantage
Artificial intelligence and autonomous systems are transforming modern warfare, reshaping how nations project power, deter adversaries, and make decisions across every domain. This conversation will examine the opportunities, risks, and strategic implications of integrating AI-driven technologies and autonomy into military operations in an era of intensifying global competition.
The Golden Fleet: Hedge Strategy and the Maritime Industrial Base
As maritime competition intensifies, the United States and its allies face mounting pressure to expand naval capacity, strengthen readiness, and sustain deterrence in an era of growing global threats. This panel will examine the concept of a “Golden Fleet” and the role of hedge strategy in accelerating shipbuilding, reinforcing the maritime industrial base, and integrating autonomous systems to build a more resilient and adaptable naval force.
Conflict with Iran: Maritime Security, Escalation, and U.S. Naval Operations
Recent instability in the Middle East has highlighted the growing threats to maritime security, freedom of navigation, and global commerce. This panel will examine Iran’s evolving use of asymmetric tactics, regional escalation risks, and the strategies the United States and its allies can employ to deter aggression, protect critical waterways, and preserve regional stability.
Deterrence in the 21st Century: Preventing the Next Major Conflict
Featuring Ambassador David M. Satterfield, Director of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy
A conversation focused on diplomacy, deterrence, alliance management, and preventing escalation in an increasingly complex global security environment.
AI-Enabled Cyber Operations in the Maritime Fight
As naval operations become more networked and data-driven, artificial intelligence is emerging as a critical tool for strengthening cyber defense, accelerating decision-making, and enabling resilient operations in contested environments. This panel will explore how the Navy and Joint Force are integrating AI-enabled cyber capabilities into maritime operations while addressing challenges related to security, interoperability, workforce readiness, and human-machine teaming.
Confirmed Speakers
Ambassador David M. Satterfield
Director, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy Former U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Lebanon
Vice Admiral Brendan McLane, USN
Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
Alycia Farrell
Senior Advisor, The Roosevelt Group | Senior Analyst, Advisor & Compliance Consultant, Gray Tarian
VADM Craig Clapperton, USN (Ret.)
Former Commander, Fleet Cyber Command, Navy Space Command, U.S. 10th Fleet, and Joint Force Headquarters Cyber
Why Attend
Engage with National Security Leaders
Hear directly from senior military officers, diplomats, policymakers, and defense industry executives shaping today’s strategic environment.
Gain Strategic Insight
Participate in forward-looking discussions on defense innovation, geopolitical competition, emerging technology, and global security challenges.
Build Meaningful Connections
Connect with influential leaders from across the defense and national security community in an intimate, high-level setting.
Experience Newport
Attend the symposium at the historic U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.