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Convene

At the Vanderbilt Institute of National Security, convening is about creating space for the conversations that are hardest to have and most necessary to move forward. We bring together leaders from government, industry, academia, and the military in a setting defined by institutional neutrality and a commitment to open, honest debate. Outside the Beltway and free from echo chambers, our forums are designed to surface practical ideas and build trust across perspectives. The goal is not consensus for its own sake, but progress grounded in clarity and shared purpose.

From high-level summits to working sessions and public forums, our convenings connect thought leaders with students, researchers, and practitioners who are shaping the future of national security. These gatherings are built to form durable partnerships, spark collaboration, and translate dialogue into action. By bridging disciplines and communities, we help move complex challenges from conversation to coordinated effort.

Convene

Asness Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats

Explore our past summits to see how national security leaders, scholars, and practitioners have come together to tackle the most pressing challenges of the moment. Learn more about our upcoming summit and previous summits:

The Institute’s Lecture Series: National Security, Up Close

Discover our lecture series, where leading voices from government, industry, and academia share perspectives on the evolving challenges facing national security. View past talks and see how to attend an upcoming lecture to join the conversation.

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