The University of Akron has launched a new program drawing together a range of departments at the university to provide training to better combat domestic and international security threats. The Interdisciplinary Center for Intelligence and Security Studies will draw on the university’s existing strengths in political science, criminal justice, computer science, mathematics and communication. It is the first of its kind in Ohio.
Dr. Karl Kaltenthaler is a professor of political science and the center’s director. He says they’ll bring together not only students and faculty cross-discipline, but also national intelligence experts and practitioners.
"We want to be as connected to the intelligence community not just with getting people to mentor our students but also having pipelines into jobs in the intelligence community."
Kaltenthaler says there will be a strong emphasis on internships and other experiential learning including research opportunities. He believes now is an important time to train people in intelligence and security to counter international and domestic threats.
“Domestic political extremism has never been as frightening or as really, salient as it is right now in terms of its ability or propensity to cause significant harm to the country. At least not for generations.”
Kaltenthaler says faculty and students at the new center will be focused on China and Russia which he calls the biggest international threats. Another area of concentration will be climate change and biosecurity, pressing issues he believes could spark conflict in the years to come.
