Arizona State University Joins 2026 Global Security Forum
Researchers addressed the rise of autonomous drone threats during the 2026 security conference in Doha.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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Arizona State University contributed to the 2026 Global Security Forum held in Doha, Qatar. Participants examined the security risks posed by autonomous AI-enabled drones and their accessibility to non-state actors.
Why it matters
The forum focused on the security challenges confronting international partnerships in an era of rapid technological advancement. It highlighted how autonomous systems have become increasingly accessible to malicious actors worldwide.
Researchers detailed how non-state actors utilize commercial and dual-use drone systems for surveillance and infrastructure disruption. The analysis specifically tracked the technical transition of these systems into weaponized AI-enabled platforms.
The players
Arizona State University
This major public research institution in Tempe, Arizona, focuses on interdisciplinary scholarship and global policy engagement.
Peter Bergen
A prominent security expert who participated in discussions regarding intelligence and defense cooperation at the forum.
Daniel Rothenberg
An academic moderator who led discussions focused on the intersection of emerging drone technology and non-state actors.
Robert J. Bunker
An analyst who published specific research detailing the evolving threat landscape of weaponized AI-powered drone systems.
The details
Arizona State University participated through its Future Security Initiative, which partners with New America to connect academic research with policy analysis. Discussions centered on how commercial hardware is repurposed for unauthorized security threats.
Timeline
The Global Security Forum took place in Doha throughout 2026.
The Tech Race
This development reflects the ongoing technological arms race where commercially available hardware is rapidly outpacing traditional defense security measures. It highlights a pivot in military strategy as academic institutions help bridge the gap between open-source tech and policy defense.
The widespread accessibility of dual-use drone technology means that public infrastructure and private security face evolving surveillance risks. Residents should note that the integration of AI in these systems is prompting new discussions about domestic safety and regulatory standards.
The takeaway
The rise of accessible AI-enabled drones forces a reevaluation of how international partnerships manage security threats. Policymakers and researchers must continue to collaborate to address the vulnerabilities inherent in dual-use commercial technologies.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research in this sector at the Arizona Artificial Intelligence portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Small Wars Journal.
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