Sam Altman to Open Vanderbilt Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats

Vanderbilt University has announced that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman will deliver the opening keynote at the upcoming Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats, set to take place on April 17-18, 2025. The summit will bring together leading experts from government, academia, and industry to discuss the evolving landscape of national security in the age of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and geopolitical instability.

Altman’s keynote will explore the transformative impact of AI on global security, focusing on both its potential benefits and the challenges it poses in modern conflict. As AI-powered tools become more sophisticated, their role in cyber warfare, disinformation campaigns, and decision-making processes for defense strategy is becoming a critical area of study. His insights are expected to shape discussions on the ethical and strategic implications of AI deployment in national security operations.

The summit, hosted by Vanderbilt’s Institute for National Security, will feature panels and discussions on cyber defense, emerging technologies, disinformation, and modern warfare strategies. Experts from the Department of Defense, intelligence agencies, and leading technology firms will provide perspectives on mitigating risks and leveraging new technologies to strengthen national security. The event underscores Vanderbilt’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on pressing security challenges in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

For more information and to register, visit the Vanderbilt Institute of National Security website.