NASHVILLE — After serving nearly four decades in the U.S. military, including six years leading both the National Security Agency (NSA) and U.S. Cyber Command, Paul Nakasone is transitioning into a new role as the first director of Vanderbilt University’s newly established Institute of National Security. Despite stepping down from his government position, Nakasone firmly believes he remains deeply connected to the world of national security.
Reflecting on his extensive experience, Nakasone shared, “The past 10 years, I’ve spent a tremendous amount of time in Washington, D.C. I know the people who work in the national security ecosystem. I’ve served under six secretaries of Defense, across two administrations. I have a good sense of where we need to focus our efforts.”
As the Institute launches, Nakasone shared the timeline for its initiatives, emphasizing the combination of “quick wins” and long-term projects aimed at strengthening the national security landscape. The first major goals include immersing Vanderbilt students into the national security arena and expanding educational offerings.
Vanderbilt’s National Security Institute
The new Institute has ambitious objectives that range from short-term achievements to larger initiatives. Among these goals is the “25 for 2025” project, which aims to place 25 Vanderbilt interns in key federal agencies such as the State and Commerce Departments.
Nakasone explained his vision for the initiative: “The first time I came to D.C., I was like, ‘Wow!’ I’d like for students from Vanderbilt to have that same experience—one where they can gain valuable exposure to national security through internships.”
The Institute is also creating national security degree programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, fostering interdisciplinary learning by extending a two-semester immersion program for undergraduates across various majors.
Nakasone also indicated that Vanderbilt’s Institute plans to collaborate with the transition team of the next U.S. president, ensuring it contributes to shaping the future of national security.
OpenAI and the Future of AI Safety
In addition to his work at Vanderbilt, Nakasone serves on the board of directors and the newly created safety and security committee of OpenAI. Commenting on CEO Sam Altman’s departure from the internal safety panel, Nakasone expressed no concern, viewing it as part of the company’s natural progression.
“I think it’s a normal progression for a growing company,” Nakasone said, reflecting on the committee’s critical role in the release of the o1 reasoning model, a new version of ChatGPT. He emphasized the committee’s careful deliberation on safety issues, rollout plans, and ethical concerns.
Election Security and Foreign Interference
Nakasone, who previously committed to making the 2024 U.S. presidential election the most secure yet, lauded recent efforts to expose Iranian and Russian interference. “The best remedy for influence and interference is shining a light on it,” he said, commending the government’s proactive identification of foreign meddling.
He added that ongoing attempts by adversaries, including Russia, Iran, and China, to influence U.S. elections will continue in the lead-up to November. Nakasone emphasized that transparency and public awareness are critical weapons against foreign influence.
“If the public doesn’t see more naming and shaming, it means our strategy has been effective, and the government’s campaign to reduce influence has succeeded,” he predicted.
China: The Biggest Geopolitical Challenge
Nakasone also addressed the growing national security concerns posed by China. “Beijing remains the number one focus area for the future,” he said, citing China as the only nation capable of threatening the United States and its allies in terms of reshaping the world order.
For Vanderbilt’s Institute, training the next generation of critical thinkers to address challenges posed by China and other global adversaries is paramount. ‘If you develop people who can think critically about national security, you win,’ Nakasone stated, underscoring the importance of strategic thinking in protecting the republic and securing the nation’s future
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