Potomac Institutefor Policy Studies

STEPS — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Policy Studies

A journal of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies

STEPS publishes perspectives at the intersection of science, technology, engineering and public policy — from Institute fellows and outside contributors.

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Cover of Issue 11 · July 2025

Latest Issue

Issue 11 · July 2025

  1. 01Leveraging Strength in Economic StatecraftFrancis A. Finelli, Timothy Welter, PhD
  2. 02Optimizing Cognitive Performance: Cutting-Edge Neuroscience for Intelligence AnalystsBob Gourley
  3. 03Assessing the Risks of AI: Haven’t We Been Here Before?William Regli, PhD
  4. 04Missile Defense through Deterrence: How to Prevent an Attack on the HomelandRobert Hummel, PhD
  5. 05Can Trump’s Golden Dome Make Us Safe?Gerold Yonas, PhD
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Featured Articles

All STEPS articles in the library

  • Economic Security

    Leveraging Strength in Economic Statecraft

    There was once a time when it was assumed that China would move toward liberal democratic institutions and, with that, pursue a more open capitalist economy. This assumption was based on the argument that as China grew richer through capital investment and market-driven economic expansion, its population’s values and outlook would become more Westernized.

    Francis A. Finelli, Timothy Welter, PhD

  • Human Health & Performance

    Optimizing Cognitive Performance: Cutting-Edge Neuroscience for Intelligence Analysts

    In today’s era of relentless disruption, intelligence analysts sit on the front lines of national defense, not with weapons, but with judgment. Faced with an avalanche of data, increasingly deceptive adversaries, and constant geopolitical volatility, their mission is to extract clarity from chaos.

    Bob Gourley

  • Artificial Intelligence

    Assessing the Risks of AI: Haven’t We Been Here Before?

    Will artificial intelligence (AI) technology empower a magnificent future, or will the risks of AI manifest themselves in a way that threatens human existence? Wall Street and Silicon Valley (i.e., many of whom are “AI boomers”) mostly believe that AI will make us productive, rich, and prosperous in a transition of our future that portends super-charged productivity and applications that eliminate worry and tedium.

    William Regli, PhD

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