A Luncheon and Discussion:
On
"Defending the U.S. in the Age of AI: Protecting Critical Infrastructure from Emerging AI Threats"
With
The Honorable John Tien
Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security
As our critical infrastructure increasingly integrates machine learning to manage power grids, transportation networks, and communications, artificial intelligence is transforming from an operational asset into a primary vulnerability. AI introduces unprecedented risks, from autonomous cyberattacks to algorithmic exploitation, capable of compromising essential societal systems in ways traditional security models were never designed to anticipate. We will explore the evolving dangers facing U.S. critical infrastructure, examining how rapid deployment outpaces regulation and where our most vital systems remain exposed. Please join us for a compelling discussion on the dynamic threat landscape surrounding artificial intelligence.
JOIN US:
Date: Wednesday, October 21st, 2026
Time: 11:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M.
Venue: Capital City Club (Downtown)
7 John Portman Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Parking: Complimentary valet parking is available
You Must Register in Advance to Attend
Registration Closes Friday, October 16th, at 10 a.m.
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel, please do so not later than 48 hours before the event. ACIR is charged for your meal, so no refund can be provided.
Meet The Former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
The Honorable John Tien
John Tien is an American government official and retired United States Army officer who served as the 8th Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security under President Joe Biden. Tien graduated as the highest ranked cadet in his class from West Point with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.
Following West Point, Tien was commissioned as an active-duty officer in the U.S. Army and became a Rhodes Scholar, earning an Oxford Master of Arts from Queen’s College, Oxford. He served on active duty for 24 years as an armor officer, completing three combat tours, including service as an Armor Battalion Commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Tien retired from the military with the rank of colonel, receiving decorations and awards such as the Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Valorous Unit Award, and the Combat Action Badge.
Tien served in various national security/foreign policy related roles under the Clinton, GW Bush, and Obama administrations before transitioning to the private sector, where he held multiple executive positions at Citigroup. In 2021, President Joe Biden appointed Tien as the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security under Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Tien currently holds multiple appointments at Georgia Tech as a distinguished professor of the practice and is on the boards of Union Pacific Railroad (NYSE: UNP) and SAIC (NASDAQ: SAIC), The Carter Center, and the World Affairs Council of Atlanta. He resides in the Atlanta area with his wife, Tracy, who is an educational docent at The High Museum of Art.
Please Note:
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For questions about or difficulties in registering for the event, please contact: registrar@atlantacir.org
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By registering, I understand that photos and/or video may be taken at this program and agree that these materials may be used for promotional purposes. Please contact the programming team with questions: registrar@atlantacir.org
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To contact Member Services click on membership@atlantacir.org
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Members are welcome to bring guests at member rates. The same guest may only be invited once at member rates. Select "One time Guest of Member", when registering.
Thank you for supporting ACIR with your attendance.
ACIR 2026 Presidential Sponsor
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ACIR 2026 Sponsors
Arnall Golden Gregory, LLP
Barnes & Thornburg
ACIR Strategic Partners
Sam Nunn School of International Affairs,
Georgia Institute of Technology
Institutional Members
Georgia Institute of Technology
Kennesaw State University
University of North Georgia
ACIR is a Community Partner of the Association of the U.S. Army 
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For more information:
Visit: www.atlantacir.org
Contact: info@atlantacir.org
Atlanta Council on International Relations
4062 Peachtree Road, Suite A 431, Brookhaven, GA 30319
(404)-663-2606
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Photo credit: NATO Innovation hubj
China Cognitive Warfare
with
Josh Baughman, US National Defense University
Cognitive Warfare is seen as its own domain in modern warfare alongside the four military domains defined by their environment (land, maritime, air and space) and the cyber domain connects them all. Cognitive Warfare operates on a global stage as we are all digitally connected and uses information technology and the tools, machines, networks and systems to seek out it's target: intelligence.
China, as a strategic competitor to NATO, describes Cognitive Warfare as the use of public opinion, psychological operations, and legal influence to achieve victory. Combat psychology has significant impact on the warfighter's ability to function with a focus on recording facial information, emotional changes and psychological states of soldiers to determine their combat status. Outside of the battlefield, influence can also affect law, rule-of-order and civil constructs.
JOIN US:
Date: Thursday, May 23, 2024
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1.30 p.m.
Venue: Capital City Club (downtown)
7 John Portman Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Parking: Complimentary valet parking is available
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel, please do so not later than 48 hours before the event. ACIR is charged for your meal, so no refund can be provided.
