Homeland Security Today and Narrative Strategies are hosting the first-ever Narrative Strategy Symposium on Wednesday, September 30, in Arlington, Virginia. This gathering will bring together leaders from government, academia, industry, the military, and the homeland security community to explore one of the defining challenges the United States is facing today.
Description of the event from the registration site:
“As the United States confronts increasingly complex challenges—from strategic competition and disinformation to violent extremism, artificial intelligence, and influence operations—understanding narrative has become a national security imperative. Narratives influence how people interpret events, build trust, make decisions, and respond to crises. Developing a deeper understanding of narrative strategy will help homeland security leaders anticipate emerging threats, strengthen public resilience, and communicate more effectively during times of uncertainty.
Building on the launch of Homeland Security Today’s Narrative Strategy Vertical, this inaugural symposium will establish a foundation for continued collaboration by examining the principles of narrative, narrative strategy, and narrative warfare; highlighting the organizations advancing this work across government, academia, industry, and the defense community; and exploring practical applications for homeland security, emergency management, law enforcement, public safety, and national security. Together, participants will examine how narrative can be leveraged to strengthen preparedness, counter malign influence, and build a more secure and resilient nation.”
The symposium’s speakers and commentators include:
- Kristina Tanasichuk, Executive Editor, Homeland Security Today
- Ajit Maan, Ph.D., Founder & CEO, Narrative Strategies
- Howard Gambrill Clark, Ph.D., President, Narrative Strategies
- Brian L. Steed, Ph.D., Senior Fellow, Narrative Strategies
- Elena Taube Bailey, Ph.D., President and Program Director, The Academy
- Rambir Singh Mann, Ph.D., Major General (Ret.), Indian Army
- Kyle Atwell, Ph.D., Lt. Col. U.S. Army, Irregular Warfare Initiative
- John A. Pennel, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief, PRISM
- Amy Zalman, Founder, Prescient
- Jesse Levin, Executive Director, Defense Entrepreneurs Forum
- Kevin Melton, Co-Founder and CEO, Pax Strategies
- Ia Meurmishvili, Editor-in-Chief, Independence Avenue Media
- Candice Bryant, former Head of Public Communications at the CIA
- Christopher Holshek, Col. (Ret.), U.S. Army Civil Affairs & VP of Narrative Strategies
- Felicia Weston, Senior Data Strategist and Applied Narrative Warfare Fellow, Narrative Strategies
- Dr. Anshu Roy, Founder & CEO, Rhombus Power, Inc.
The symposium will be held at Amentum located at 4121 Wilson Blvd Suite 200, Arlington, Virginia on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EDT). The program will be followed by a networking reception. Find out more about this event and register for the event at this link.
