Subtle but powerful video in run up to Mexican Elections

Points  to the problems of impunity and violence that the next Mexican President will have to confront.

New article on US Cybersercurity Leadership

Here is my most recent article on U.S. cybersecurity leadership. The legislation now before Congress is struggling to get traction. The problem is too important to wait.

The FBI Director called it the most important threat to the US and our allies.

Security Issues Largely Absent from Mexico Campaign

Security Issues Largely Absent from Mexico Campaign

Points out that there are really few alternatives, despite the politics.

H/T Boz

Bloggings by boz: Brazil wants more control over the Internet

Bloggings by boz: Brazil wants more control over the Internet: Reuters : India, Brazil and South Africa have also proposed setting up a new UN body to form global Internet policies -- frustrated that t...

Interesting commentary about Brazil's growing interest in having a voice internationally. I doubt that the US will put Internet governance under the UN however.

A G-20 based model would be much more palatable.

Car bombs in Mexico

The use of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) shows a new level of sophistication on behalf of the narcos. The July 15 attack used a cell-phone detonated bomb. The controlled device was detonated as the back up and medical reams responded to a down police officer in Ciudad Juarez.

In a shift of policy, US government indicates a willingness to approach cooperate in a United Nations forum to reduce the risk of cyberwar. In this item from the Washington Post, the US joins China, Russian, Brazil, and others. Witht he big actors in the field agreeing to talk, it is an interesting development. Problems of attribution, civilian vs. military use, and technological change persist, but moving from solely a cybercrime approach is interesting.

Definetely something to watch in the months to come.

Faculty Positions at CHDS

For those interested in teaching at the Center for Hemipsheric Defense Studies (www.ndu.edu/chds) we are interested in hearing from you.

From USAJOBS

Job Title: Assistant/Associate/Professor/Supervisory of National Security Studies, AD-1701-3/5/7/9
Department: Department Of Defense
Agency: Defense Security Cooperation Agency
Sub Agency: Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies (CHDS) Job Announcement Number: NDU-73-10
Salary Range:
71,922.00 - 149,982.00 USD /year
Series & Grade:
AD-1701-3/9
Open Period:
Wednesday, May 12, 2010 to Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Position Information:
Full-Time This is a Title 10 Excepted Service Appointment. Appointment NTE 3 years with the possibility for extension.
Duty Locations:
Few vacancies - Ft. McNair, Washington, DC
Who May Be Considered:
All Qualified Candidates.Job Summary:
The Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies (CHDS) is a premier regional forum offering strategic level defense and security education, research assistance and dialog regarding the development of effective security policy within the Western Hemisphere. The Center's civilian and military graduates and partner institutions comprise communities of influence that work toward a more cooperative and stable international security environment.
The Center's mission is to, provide education, and conduct outreach, research and knowledge-sharing activities on defense and international security policy-making with military and civilian leaders of the Western Hemisphere. CHDS also effectively works to advance international security policy and defense decision-making processes, foster partnerships and promote effective civil-military relations in democratic societies. In addition CHDS contributes to a cooperative international security environment and mutual understanding of priority U.S. and regional defense and international security policy issues.Major Duties:
Depending on qualifications, serves at the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies as an interdisciplinary Professor of National Security Affairs, at the rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Professor with expertise in one or more of the following areas: national security, political economy, political science, public administration, public communication, law, law enforcement, sociology, history, international relations, acquisition, defense economics, financial management, logistics, international peacekeeping and stability operations, and counter-terrorism.
The Center conducts graduate level interdisciplinary educational programs in Washington, D.C., and in Latin America and the Caribbean. The CHDS performs teaching, research, and outreach missions in the areas of national security, national defense, international security, law enforcement, and security issues relating to the Western Hemisphere to assist in the missions of the Department of Defense. Programs consist of resident courses and seminars focused on specialized topics taught in residence and throughout the Western Hemisphere in support of networking, sharing knowledge, implementation of collaborative projects, and supporting continuing education and outreach.
Incumbent develops, organizes and teaches the curriculum in area(s) of expertise for the Center's various programs especially related to the Western Hemisphere. Professor participates in individual and team instructional activities. Teaches appropriate elements of the curriculum, often team teaching and using distance learning. Participates in the planning and development of the Center's overall program of study, to include curriculum related conferences, and serves as project leader responsible for development and management of academic activities. Contributes to the professional development of faculty colleagues. Develops opportunities for outreach activities with cooperating institutions from the United States and from other countries of the Western Hemisphere. Develops academic studies and analysis in thematic areas directly related to the Center's missions. Assists in the organization of seminars and conference in the region. Maintains professional relationships with senior civilian and military academics, policy makers, and other professionals in the field and maintains an active research program related to curriculum interests. Serves as a research advisor to fellows from the region. Serves as subject matter expert in collaborative initiatives within the Center and with other institutions.Qualifications:
Applicants should have a PhD. Candidates nearing completion of a PhD may also be considered. In exceptional circumstances, candidates with extensive professional experience relevant to the mission of CHDS with a minimum of a Master's Degree may also be considered.
Assistant Professor: minimum required qualifications include an earned master's degree (PhD preferred) in an appropriate discipline and less than five years professional experience at a regionally accredited university.
Associate Professor: minimum qualifications include an earned doctorate or equivalent terminal professional degree in an appropriate discipline, five years professional experience at a regionally accredited university, and a record of research/scholarship.
Professor or Supervisory Professor: minimum qualifications include an earned doctorate or equivalent terminal professional degree in an appropriate discipline, experience at the associate professor level at a regionally accredited university, and an outstanding record of scholarship/research. Supervisory professors will also have a strong record of managing or leading an academic department or program at a university or research institute.
Applicant is required to present three letters of recommendation that support their qualifications for the position.
Travel requirement for this position is Occasional. You may be required to travel up to 20% - 30% of the time.How You Will Be Evaluated:
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: Fluency in English and Spanish is required, Portuguese or French is highly desired. PLEASE INDICATE ON YOUR RESUME THE LEVEL OF PROFICIENCY OF THE REQUIRED LANGUAGE(s).
Applicant will be rated on the basis of the criteria listed below and the potential to successfully accomplish the duties by subject matter experts appointed with the purpose of identifying the best-qualified candidates.
It is strongly suggested that you address the Highly Qualifying Criteria as a separate attachment.
Highly Qualifying Criteria:
1. Possession of or nearing completion of a PhD in International Security Studies, Latin American Studies and other related disciplines (International Relations, Anthropology, Sociology, Political Psychology, Political Science, History and Economics). Candidates with substantial practical experience relevant to the mission of CHDS must have a Master's Degree.
2. Ability to teach, mentor, develop curricula, and perform related academic duties for both civilian and military students.
3. Practical knowledge and experience of defense/security/civil-military affairs in the Western Hemisphere.
4, Ability to perform in environments with senior U.S. or international officials, both civilian and military, to include experience educating military officers.
5. Ability to communicate in speech and writing, to include writing for publication.
6. Applicant shows experience in interacting with senior policy-makers US or other Western Hemisphere governments.Benefits:You may participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, with costs shared with your employer. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#FEHB.Life insurance coverage is provided. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#lifeNew employees are automatically covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). If you are transferring from another agency and covered by CSRS, you may continue in this program. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#retrYou will earn annual vacation leave. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#VACAYou will earn sick leave. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#SKLVYou will be paid for federal holidays that fall within your regularly scheduled tour of duty. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#HOLIIf you use public transportation, part of your transportation costs may be subsidized. Our human resources office can provide additional information on how this program is run.Other Information:
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
1. This is a civilian position as provided under Title 10. The first year will be probationary. Appointment will be for three years and may be renewed in one to three year increments thereafter.
2. Must be physically able and willing to travel.
3. Application must be received by the closing date noted above. How To Apply:
You may apply with an OF 612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment), an SF-171 (Application for Federal Employment) OR any of the following alternative formats: a Resume/Curriculum Vitae or any other written format you choose provided it includes sufficient information to support your qualifications for this position. Before hiring, you will be asked to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. You will be asked to sign and certify the accuracy of all the information in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired, you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be fined or jailed. Federal annuitants may have their salaries reduced. All employees must pay any valid delinquent debts or the agency may garnish salary.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jessica McDaniels (202) 685-2130, DSN 325-2130 or Fax: (202) 685-3920. E-mail: nduresumes@ndu.edu Mailing Address: National Defense University, ATTN: NDU-HRD (McDaniels), Bldg. 62, 300 5th Avenue, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, DC 20319-5062.
IF YOU ARE SELECTED FOR THIS POSITION, AS A NEW HIRE, OR THROUGH REINSTATEMENT, PROMOTION OR REASSIGNMENT YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DIRECT DEPOSIT/ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER SYSTEM FOR PAYROLL.
CONSIDERATION FOR PLACEMENT AND EVALUATION OF QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE MADE ON A FAIR AND EQUITABLE BASIS WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, RELIGION, COLOR, AGE, LAWFUL POLITICAL OR OTHER AFFILIATION, MARITAL STATUS, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR FOR ANY HANDICAP WHICH DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE DUTIES OF THE POSITION.
APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE RETURNED, PLEASE CALL FOR INFORMATION REGARDING THE STATUS OF YOUR APPLICATION, (202) 685-2130.Contact Information:
Jessica McDaniels Phone: 202-685-2130 Fax: 202-685-2779 Email: NDUResumes@ndu.edu
Agency Information:National Defense UniversityAttn: NDU-HRD (Jessica McDaniels)300 5th Avenue, Bldg 62Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, DC 20319-5066 US Fax: 202-685-2779What To Expect Next:Once your complete application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 60 - 90 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.
EEO Policy Statement: http://www.usajobs.gov/eeoReasonable Accommodation Policy Statement: http://www.usajobs.gov/rapsVeterans Information: http://www.usajobs.gov/viLegal and Regulatory Guidance: http://www.usajobs.gov/lrg