University of South Florida to Host 2026 International Security Experience

The University of South Florida (USF) will host the 2026 International Security Experience from April 14–17, 2026, a four-day event series bringing together students, scholars, and practitioners to explore the evolving landscape of intelligence, technology, and national security.

Organized in partnership with USF’s Global and National Security Institute (GNSI), the program integrates three core events:

• Intelligence & Technology Conference (April 14)
• Future Strategist Program Conference (April 15)
• Undergraduate Strategy Competition (April 16–17)

These events are designed to connect emerging talent with experienced practitioners while advancing dialogue on some of the most pressing challenges in contemporary security affairs.

Bridging Intelligence, Technology, and Strategy

The opening Intelligence & Technology Conference will convene leading experts to examine topics including artificial intelligence, UAVs, and the future of intelligence. The conference is conducted in partnership with King’s College London and Intelligence and National Security, and will contribute to a forthcoming special issue of the journal.

The Future Strategist Program Conference, organized by USF students, continues the conversation with panels and roundtables focused on HUMINT, disinformation, quantum technologies, and the intersection of surveillance, privacy, and human rights.

A National-Level Strategy Competition

The capstone event, the Undergraduate Strategy Competition, is modeled on the U.S. Army War College’s strategic exercises. Twenty teams from institutions across the United States and abroad will develop policy objectives and strategic approaches to a complex national security scenario.

Over two days, teams will collaborate, refine their analysis, and compete in a multi-round, single-elimination format that tests both conceptual rigor and practical application.

Participation by SWJ Leadership

Small Wars Journal is pleased to highlight that Editor-in-Chief, Col. (Ret.) Ken Gleiman, will serve as a judge for the Undergraduate Strategy Competition. His participation reflects SWJ’s ongoing commitment to fostering serious strategic thinking and supporting the next generation of practitioners.

We’re honored that Dr. Gleiman will participate in an event that meaningfully connects academic inquiry with real-world strategic problem-solving and invests directly in developing future leaders in national security.

Developing the Next Generation

Hosted at the Marshall Student Center on USF’s Tampa campus, the International Security Experience offers a rare opportunity for students to engage directly with senior leaders, academics, and peers in a collaborative, high-level environment.

As the boundaries between technology, intelligence, and conflict continue to evolve, initiatives like this play an important role in preparing the next generation of strategists for the complexity of modern security challenges.

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