STEPS Journal · Research Library

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Discover articles from STEPS Journal across science, technology, engineering, and public policy.

15 publications

STEPS Journal ArticleIssue 11 · July 2025
Economic Security · Global Competition, National Security & Defense
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
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STEPS Journal ArticleIssue 11 · July 2025
Human Health & Performance · National Security & Defense
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
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STEPS Journal ArticleIssue 11 · July 2025
Artificial Intelligence · Science & Technology Policy
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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STEPS Journal ArticleIssue 11 · July 2025
National Security & Defense · Space
Missile Defense through Deterrence: How to Prevent an Attack on the Homeland
Missiles are flying over the Middle East and Europe, of many different types and with both offensive and defensive purposes. At one time, the US assumed that the only danger to the continental US was from intercontinental ballistic missiles, most likely nuclear-tipped.
Robert Hummel, PhD
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STEPS Journal ArticleIssue 11 · July 2025
National Security & Defense · Space
Can Trump’s Golden Dome Make Us Safe?
Last year, Donald Trump announced that “we must be able to defend our homeland, our allies, and our military assets around the world from the threat of hypersonic missiles, no matter where they are launched from.” After his election, he called for a program labeled the Golden Dome and requested a plan with no limit on cost to achieve his goal.
Gerold Yonas, PhD
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STEPS Journal ArticleIssue 10 · December 2024
Space · National Security & Defense
The Wicked Problem that Confronts US Space Force
It used to be that space was the ultimate high ground, safe from enemy attack. Space became the place to gather intelligence, surveil, reconnoiter enemy forces, transmit information globally, and command and control the application of force without risking incoming fire.
Author credit on original
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STEPS Journal ArticleIssue 10 · December 2024
Economic Security · Science & Technology Policy
Technology Opportunities for National Prosperity
Advances in science and technology present key moments for economic growth. Technological breakthroughs represent opportunities to make targeted public investments and introduce policies that accelerate time to market and incentivize market uptake, maximizing benefits for the domestic economy.
Rosalie Loewen, Robert Hummel, PhD
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STEPS Journal ArticleIssue 10 · December 2024
Science & Technology Policy · Economic Security
The Detrimental US Tax Policy on Research and Development
The US Tax Code allows businesses and taxpayers to deduct what are called “research and experimentation expenses” from their income before paying taxes, provided those expenses are “qualified,” according to Section 174 of the tax code. In addition, Section 41 permits a tax credit for increases in research and development (R&D) expenditures over a baseline amount, as long as those expenses qualify under Section 174 and satisfy certain other conditions.
Robert Hummel, PhD
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STEPS Journal ArticleIssue 10 · December 2024
Cyber & Data
Mitigating Algorithmic Targeting in Social Media Platforms
It is now well understood that social media platforms collect data about their users. The platforms gather this data to push content that supports targeted advertisements.
Kayla Dunn
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STEPS Journal ArticleIssue 10 · December 2024
Space
Approaching Orbital Overload
The thousands of satellites orbiting Earth are now integral to our daily lives, essential to communication, navigation, defense, and infrastructure. However, we are increasingly cluttering orbits with human-made debris.
Carrie Zuckerman
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