VU Institute of National Security

Five years. One mission. A permanent hub for national security dialogue.  As conflict shifts into the Age of Asymmetry, the Institute is scaling to meet the challenge. This is our roadmap for the 2026 #AsnessSummit—convening the leaders defining the future of American security.

Watch the #AsnessSummit Day 2 highlight reel: — Opening remarks from Sen. @MarshaBlackburn — Keynote conversation with Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla (Ret.) on modern warfare and global security — Panels on cyber operations, drone warfare, and what’s ahead for national security

Watch the #AsnessSummit Day 1 highlight reel for a glimpse inside: — Opening fireside with General Dan Caine — Key insights from The Honorable Gina Raimondo and author Dan Wang — Panels on supply chains as battlegrounds, the power of perception, and lessons from modern conflict

Academic expertise meets real-world stakes. During National Security Week, @VanderbiltU faculty completed a high-stakes Arctic simulation to tackle the complexities of modern conflict. We’re strengthening national security through collaboration and applied problem-solving.

What does the next gen of national security leadership look like? During National Security Week, 80 students engaged with Gen. Paul Nakasone, Lt. Gen. Matthew Glavy (Ret.), and experts from OpenAI, DARPA, and the FBI. We’re moving beyond convening leaders to building them.

Highlights from #AsnessSummit Day 2 📸 The conversations zeroed in on where modern conflict is actively evolving. A key takeaway: the future fight will be shaped by those who can integrate technology, strategy, and speed of decision-making faster than their adversaries.

Cybersecurity is now personal. In a @nytimes essay, @bjgol, director of the Institute's Wicked Problems Lab, warns that AI is accelerating threats to individuals. Are you prepared? nytimes.com/2026/04/28/opi…

Highlights from Summit Day 1 📸 Cyber, the Iranian conflict, and collaboration — three main themes from opening day of the 2026 #AsnessSummit on Conflict and Emerging Threats. A key takeaway: focus on actions that drive outcomes.

When it comes to national security, we need the brightest minds working together. The Vanderbilt Institute of National Security Asness Summit has become such an important part of the national dialogue, and it was an honor to speak about the great work being done in Tennessee.

@MarshaBlackburn We were honored to have you! Thank you for joining the dialogue and highlighting the critical role Tennessee plays in our national security landscape.

General Paul Nakasone (Ret.) closed the #AsnessSummit by outlining America’s competitive advantages: - Innovation & Talent - Alliances & Partnerships - Transparency Maintaining our edge isn't a given. It requires aligning academic innovation with national security.

In the "Age of Asymmetry," our response is only as fast as our technology. Sen. @MarshaBlackburn highlighted this morning that staying the course in AI and quantum is a national imperative if we want to detect and neutralize the threats of tomorrow. #AsnessSummit

Day 2 of the Asness Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats is underway—live from Nashville. If you can’t be in the room, don’t miss the conversation. Watch the livestream now: m.youtube.com/watch?v=Idkazr…

Day 2: #AsnessSummit Today we dive into Cyber Operations in the Age of Asymmetry. In a digital world, security is the ultimate priority. Honored to host our speakers: @MarshaBlackburn Gen. Erik Kurilla (Ret.) Gen. Paul Nakasone (Ret.)

.@VanderbiltU Chancellor Daniel Diermeier opened #AsnessSummit by defining the "radical collaboration" that drives the INS.  Today, we saw that spirit in action—bringing national security leaders together to navigate the Age of Asymmetry outside the Beltway.  More tomorrow.

“This is where it’s at.” High praise for the Institute today from @GinaRaimondo during her discussion with Gen. Paul Nakasone (Ret.). The focus: how the U.S. must adapt its workforce to lead in the AI era. #AsnessSummit #NationalSecurity

“We have to be early adopters.” General Dan Caine set the tone this morning at the Asness Summit with a clear directive: the Joint Force must advance in the tech space to stay effective. #AsnessSummit #VanderbiltUniversity #NationalSecurity

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Caine quips he is “incredibly happy to not be in Washington for a few minutes, which I’ll race back to in a minute,” as he kicks off the Asness Summit in Nashville hosted by Vanderbilt’s Institute of National Security.

Can’t join us in person for the 2026 Asness Summit? Follow along with Day One programming here: youtube.com/live/eoD1RaVFu… #AsnessSummit #VanderbiltUniversity #NationalSecurity

Nashville is the center of the national security conversation today.  The Asness Summit is underway, featuring critical perspectives from General Dan Caine, @danwwang, and @SecRaimondo. We’re tackling the most pressing threats to our infrastructure and domestic growth head-on.