Last week, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) published its annual threat assessment and its identified eight categories provide an overview of the nation's most serious threats.

According to a Department of Justice press release from June 23, 2021, a Defense Department linguist was sentenced to 23 years in prison for delivering classified U.S. national security information to a foreign actor. She had pleaded guilty on March 26, 2021.

A joint report by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) details that as cases of domestic terrorism continue in the United States, lone offenders pose the greatest threat to national security.

The most recent FEDtalk podcast episode featured a roundtable discussion on diversity and inclusion in the U.S. national security workforce. The guests discussed diversity gaps in national security, barriers to equal opportunity, and the opportunity present today. Through their work, the guests have sought solutions to diversifying the national security workforce and bridging divides to help people of color and underrepresented groups succeed. The show highlights the work being done to create a culture of inclusivity in the national security space.

On February 4, 2021, President Joe Biden released a national security memo that focused on revitalizing American foreign policy and restoring the national security workforce, institutions, and partnerships. He also recently appeared at the Department of State to send a message on foreign policy to the workforce, saying, “I want the people who work in this building, and our embassies and consulates around the world, to know I value your expertise, and I respect you. And I will have your back.”

A new White House strategy recently named 20 emerging technologies that are crucial to national security. In light of new and different forms of national security threats, the administration is encouraging agencies to begin investing in emerging technologies and incorporating them into their organizations.

In a recently released study entitled What It Looks Like vs. What It Is: Building Competent Diversity in National Security, Guidehouse and #NatSecGirlSquad describe the potential for diversity in national security and delve into why women are often underrepresented in national security roles.