Technology, Trust, and the Accelerants of Global Crisis
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In this episode of Shifting Ground, Nick Vozdeb and Larry Rubin welcome Stacey Dixon, former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, to discuss her article 'The World's Hidden Accelerants: Technology, Trust, and System Fragility.' Dixon argues that while headline crises like wars and attacks dominate attention, the real drivers of global instability are often underlying 'accelerants'—deep-seated systemic vulnerabilities such as underinvested infrastructure, erosion of public trust, and the rapid proliferation of dual-use technologies like AI and drones. Drawing from her 18-year career in the intelligence community, she highlights how technological democratization is reshaping conflict, enabling non-state actors and adversarial nations to access advanced capabilities, while disinformation campaigns exploit digital platforms to manipulate public perception and undermine institutional credibility. The conversation underscores how trust in government, media, and scientific institutions is now a strategic asset—and its erosion can paralyze crisis response. Dixon calls for proactive measures: strengthening cyber hygiene, investing in resilient infrastructure, integrating critical thinking education from an early age, and embedding ethical foresight into technology development to anticipate misuse. She warns that without addressing these hidden accelerants, even well-intentioned policies may fail in the face of cascading systemic failures. The episode concludes with a forward-looking call to action: governments must use modeling and simulation to anticipate unintended consequences of emerging technologies, while fostering a culture of responsible innovation. Dixon emphasizes that the most pressing questions aren’t about what technologies can do, but what they might enable in the hands of adversaries. The discussion reveals that national security in the 21st century is less about military dominance and more about safeguarding the integrity of information, infrastructure, and societal trust—making the invisible threats the most dangerous of all.
Underlying systemic vulnerabilities—like weak infrastructure and declining trust—are more consequential than headline crises and act as 'accelerants' that worsen global instability.
The democratization of technology (e.g., drones, AI) enables non-state actors and adversarial nations to access advanced capabilities, reshaping the character of modern warfare.
Disinformation and misinformation campaigns exploit digital platforms to manipulate public perception, erode trust in institutions, and undermine crisis response efforts.
Governments must proactively invest in cyber hygiene, critical infrastructure resilience, and public education in critical thinking to counter information threats.
Technology developers should be required to anticipate malicious uses of their innovations through 'evil genius' scenario planning before deployment.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to Shifting Ground and Guest Welcome
Nick Vozdeb and Larry Rubin introduce the podcast Shifting Ground, hosted by the Orbis Journal of World Affairs, and welcome Stacey Dixon as the featured guest. They set the stage for a discussion on global trends, emphasizing the focus on systemic vulnerabilities rather than immediate crises.
Stacey Dixon’s Career Path: From Engineer to Intelligence Leader
Dixon shares her journey from an engineering background at Stanford and Georgia Tech to a career in the intelligence community, including roles at the CIA, the National Reconnaissance Office, and ultimately serving as Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence. She reflects on how technical skills enabled her to bridge policy and technology.
Technology, Policy, and the Balance of Innovation vs. Security
The hosts and Dixon discuss the tension between national security restrictions and the need for U.S. tech companies to remain competitive globally. Dixon emphasizes the importance of flexible regulations over rigid laws, and advocates for a balanced workforce with both technical and policy expertise.
Technology’s Role in Modern Warfare and the Democratization of Power
“The democratization of technology is changing not only the face of conflict, but a lot of technology is going places that would not have indigenously produced it, at least in the timelines that we're talking about.”
The Crisis of Trust and Information Integrity
“If the government comes out and says, there is something, there's a natural disaster coming and we need you to sort of take this, we need you to leave an area or stay where you are to stay protected. And if there's mistrust there, for whatever reason by those that are hearing the message, they may not do it.”
“The future of security lies not in military superiority alone, but in safeguarding the integrity of information, infrastructure, and societal cohesion.”
“The most pressing questions aren’t about what technologies can do, but what they might enable in the hands of adversaries.”
“If the government comes out and says, there is something, there's a natural disaster coming and we need you to sort of take this, we need you to leave an area or stay where you are to stay protected. And if there's mistrust there, for whatever reason by those that are hearing the message, they may not do it.”
Hosts
Guest
Stacey Dixon
person
Artificial Intelligence
other
Social Media
other
Nick Vozdeb
person
Larry Rubin
person
Disinformation
other
Orbis Journal of World Affairs
organization
Misinformation
other
Drones
other
Georgia Institute of Technology
organization
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