RSIS Distinguished Public Lecture by Mr Frank Kendall, Former Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, US Department of Defense; and Executive in Residence, Renaissance Strategic Advisors, Rosslyn, VA

Lecture Abstract

Technological change is accelerating on several fronts that will have broad and deep implications for security and stability.   The balance of this century will challenge the human race in unprecedented ways as bioengineering, artificial intelligence, automation, and energy related technologies advance from science and mathematics to ever more practical applications.  This process has already started, and its trajectories are becoming clearer over time.  Mr. Kendall discusses those trajectories and the implications they will have for peace and stability for individuals and organizations including businesses, nations, and international structure.

The context for these developments will be a regional and global environment in which other forces will intersect with these technological changes. Key features of that environment include the continuing rise of China as a great power, the implications of global warming, and worldwide demographic trends.   Mr. Kendall will also discuss those intersections with emerging technologies and their implications for peace and stability, both within modern societies and between nation states.

About the Speaker

Frank Kendall is an independent consultant to defense industry firms and non-profit research organizations. He is an Executive in Residence at Renaissance Strategic Advisors in Rosslyn, VA, a member of the board of directors of Leidos Corporation, a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, a Senior Advisor to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. From 2012 to 2017, Mr. Kendall served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (AT&L). Mr. Kendall has over 45 years of experience in engineering, management, defense acquisition, and national security affairs in private industry, government, and the military. Earlier in his career Mr. Kendall was the Vice President of Engineering for Raytheon Company, and the Deputy Director of Defense Research and Engineering for Tactical Warfare Programs. In addition, Mr. Kendall is an attorney and has been active in the field of human rights, working primarily on a pro bono basis. He has served as the Chairman of the Board of the Tahirih Justice Center, a Member of the Board of Amnesty International USA, and as an observer for Human Rights First at Guantanamo. He is currently a member of the board of directors of The Center for Victims of Torture. Among his awards are four Defense Distinguished Public Service Awards, the highest Secretary of Defense award for civilian service, and the Presidential Rank Award for Senior Executives. In 2016 Mr. Kendall was named “Aviation Week and Space Technology” Person of the Year (together with Secretary Ash Carter and Deputy Secretary Robert Work). He is the author of “Getting Defense Acquisition Right” (Defense Acquisition University Press 2017). Mr. Kendall holds degrees from West Point (BS), the California Institute of Technology (MS and AE), the C W Post Center of Long Island University (MBA), and Georgetown University Law Center (JD). Mr. Kendall is an avid sailor and ocean racer and resides in Falls Church, VA with his wife Beth and youngest son, James.