Intelligence Project

Foreign language continues to serve as an essential tool for professionals in the national security space. Building and sustaining a robust workforce able to engage with partners and competitors is critical for the United States and its allies. Attaining sufficient language capabilities across the U.S. government workforce remains not only an aspirational objective, but one central to a well-functioning national security system. Whether a diplomat posted overseas, an intelligence analyst trying to understand a turn of phrase in comments by a national leader, or a defense attaché conversing with partner militaries, language is the connectivity that allows individuals and organizations to communicate and avoid misunderstandings.

Experience and training in foreign languages are as diverse as the alphabets and accents used in practice. Finding a consistent approach to developing language capabilities at scale is as important today as it has ever been. Properly resourcing training programs, building robust curriculums, and empowering individuals throughout all career stages are just a few of the ideas shaping the conversation. Although progress has varied throughout the last two decades, there remains a constant theme throughout the American experience. Whether native speakers or trained professionals, languages open doors of opportunity and help better understand nuances within societies around the world. Are we doing enough to ensure the language capability we need for national security?

Please join the Intelligence Project of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs for a virtual roundtable discussion on the role of language in national security. Moderated by Intelligence Project Director Mark Pascale, the panel will explore a range of subtopics related to language and the role it plays within diplomacy, intelligence, and the military.

This forum event is now at full capacity, but we invite you to watch a live stream of the conversation here at the event time.

Former Ambassador and Major General Scott Gration speaks on his career as a warrior and diplomat. Belfer Center Library (L369), from 10:00 to 11:30 AM, Thursday December 1st.