Creating an “Atlas type” organization focused on security, information and economic issues

1. Creating an “Atlas type” organization focused on security, information and economic issues Initial Presentation for close allies

2. Vision Statement • To achieve a society of free and responsible individuals, based upon private property rights, limited government under the rule of law and the market order.

3. Mission • Create an organization and a network that can increase the number of intellectual entrepreneurs, organizations, and programs focusing on security and economic issues from a free society perspective

4. Objectives Help create and enhance organizations that: • Improve the quality of national and international security analysis that is independent from government control and committed to the free society. • Enhance access to foreign allies of the free society with knowledge and experience in the area of security and defense • Bring new international allies to US-based think tanks (Hoover, CSIS, Center for Security Policy)

5. Objectives (cont.) • Build relationships with allies in the corporate world with interests in the security area • Create private sector venues where the talents of security specialists committed to the free society can be put to good use. Existing successes serve as models: • Thanks to the Heritage Foundation, someone like Steve Johnson can be hired and work in the private sector. • Internationally, someone like Petr Vancura can employ his talents for national security research thanks to the Bell Institute in Prague

6. Past Trends • In the USA, HUMINT has been neglected since at least since the late 1970s. Open source information – and its analysis – have become relatively more important for all nations. • Outside the U.S., the analysis of economic and security information has been dominated by branches of government (usually the defense, intelligence and foreign policy agencies) • The independent international think tanks have accordingly neglected security as a field of study

7. Outlook for the future • The next decade will likely be rife with violent conflict, with the US heavily involved in the defense of the free society • Threats to national and international security will continue to be a major barrier to the development of free societies, particularly economically • Instability in many regions (with the likelihood of high turnover at foreign security and defense agencies) will make independent research organizations even more valuable. • The many interconnections between economics and security create a huge research agenda for such independent think tanks

8. Possible Agendas for Research • The Internet • Satellite communications • Production and sales of dangerous and strategic materials • Financing • Money Laundering and Tax evasion • Foreign ownership of strategic assets • Bio-technology and bio-terrorism • Economic intelligence, competition and national security • Regulatory disclosure requirements

9. Available Options • Expand the international programs of an existing organization • Create a new organization • Create an informal network with a central coordinating institute (“Atlas model”)

10. Atlas Model • A small central office in the US and independent member organizations across the globe • At first, Atlas itself could serve as a catalyst before an independent foundation was established.

11. Difficulties of cloning the Atlas model • Defining common guiding security principles • it is easy to define principles in economics -- we prefer that both China and the US have zero inflation and zero tariffs • However, do we want them both to have the same security capabilities? • Creating a governing body that demonstrates independence (given US location and predominant US role in the defense of the free society, it will not be easy) • Overcoming conflicts between the conservative and libertarian perspective on international relations

12. Advantages of the Atlas Model • Atlas is already being contacted by more and more people with an interest in security • individuals from Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Asia. • Atlas has a strong tradition of independence, which is even more important in security than economic issues.

13. Characteristics of an ideal Director for the proposed institute • Clearly NOT part of the US defense and intelligence world • Strong commitment to the free society (conservative or libertarian) but with an understanding the need for defense • Impeccable character and record

14. Possible Composition of Advisory Board for the proposed institute • Former ministers of defense / officials • Senior academics • Security experts from the US and abroad • Business executives from industries with strong interest in security issues • Former intelligence leaders

15. Possible Shadow Founding “Trustees” for the proposed institute • John Fisher (American Security Council Foundation) • Curtin Winsor • Roger Robinson

16. Trustee profile • Similar to Shadow Trustees but who have not been employed by US government defense and intelligence agencies? • Non-US Champions • A non-US and non-UK Champion • OK foreigners with past defense and intelligence background?

17. Initial Products • Web page (www.hacer.org model?) • Workshops (at least one during the first year of operations) • Research • Database of contacts and allies

18. Types of Initial Ventures • Units devoted to security studies within existing think tanks (PINS started as a unit at Civic Institute) • Institutes initially based around one expert • Full-scale institutes started “from scratch”

19. Recommendation • If deemed worthwhile by investors, the project would be “incubated” for a brief time at the Atlas Economic Research Foundation • A “spin-off” would be sought as soon as possible, since Atlas does not possess detailed expertise in this subject • The Atlas board may have a different perspective on this issue