Events
The National Security Law Journal hosts bi-annual symposia and other events to complement our printed publication. Sign up here to make sure you stay up to date on our upcoming events.
Upcoming Events
Fall 2026 Symposium.
"Intelligence in a
Constitutional Republic: FISA Section 702 —
Sunrise and Sunset"
The National Security Law Journal, together with the National Security Institute at Scalia Law, is excited to announce its fall symposium, “Intelligence in a Constitutional Republic: FISA Section 702 — Sunrise and Sunset“! Join us on October 20, 2026, at the Antonin Scalia Law School for our discussion starting at 12:00pm.
Our panel will explore the legal, constitutional, and national security issues surrounding the sunset of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The panel, drawing on their professional and academic backgrounds in national security, will examine the ongoing debate over reauthorization and reform, including the appropriate balance between protecting national security and safeguarding individual privacy and constitutional rights.
Past Events
Spring 2026 Symposium.
"The Final Signature: Peacemaking and Accountability in Conventional & Asymmetric Conflict"
Fall 2025 Symposium.
"The First Move: Presidential Power, AUMFS, & the Legal Architecture of Starting Modern Wars"
Together, the National Security Law Journal and the National Security Institute hosted the first part of NSLJ’s 2025-26 symposium series, “Starting and Ending Wars: Charting a Course from Conflict to Resolution in the 21st Century.“
The panel examined the domestic and international legal authorities underpinning the decision to use military force, and how those frameworks apply in modern conflicts against both state and non-state actors. Panelists also assessed the continued relevance of post-9/11 Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMFs), the scope of the President’s inherent Article II powers, and the evolution of Rules of Engagement.
Spring 2025 Symposium.
"The War on Narcoterrorism: Is the War on Drugs becoming the War on Terror?"
Watch the recording of the event here.
Spring 2024 Symposium.
"Borders and Beyond: The Future of American Border Security"
The National Security Law Journal and Immigration Law Society present our Spring 2024 Symposium. This event will explore the the current state of American border security and its national security implications. Learn More.
Fall 2023 Symposium.
"The New Frontline: Is AI Friend or Foe?"
The National Security Law Journal and National Security Institute present our Fall 2023 Symposium. This event will explore the new and evolving issues of artificial intelligence and its implications for national security. The topics of the discussion will include, how generative AI is used, the potential benefits and risks of using AI in a national security context, and the impacts of data privacy with the advent of AI. Watch video here.
Spring 2023 Symposium.
"Digital Currency"
The National Security Law Journal held its spring symposium, on the topic of digital currency, on George Mason University’s Arlington campus. The event was co-hosted with the Journal of Law, Economics and Policy. An introductory speech by Alexandra Gaiser. The first panel, Economic and Privacy Impacts of Digital Currency, featured Laura Fraedrich, Andrew D. Kasnevich, and Professor J.W. Verret. The second panel, Digital Currency’s Impact on Cyber Corporate Governance, featured Courtney Fisher and Bryan Mulcahey. Watch video here.
Fall 2022 Symposium.
"The Fallout and Repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine Crisis"
The National Security Law Journal, the International Law Journal, and the National Security Institute held their fall symposium, “Fallout and Repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine Crisis,” on September 23, 2022 on George Mason University’s Arlington campus. The event featured a Fireside Chat with Ambassador Andrew Bremberg and Professor Ilya Somin, a Fireside Chat with Jon P. Yormick and Chad B. Crowell, and a panel with Major Mika’il Ali, Lieutenant Colonel Dan Wagner, and Professor Darren Dick moderated by Professor Jeremy Rabkin.
Fall 2020 Symposium.
"Running Interference: Protecting the Integrity of American Elections"
The National Security Law Journal in Partnership with the National Security Institute presents our virtual Fall 2020 Symposium. Panelists discussed the role of fake news and disinformation in the 2016 election and whether we can expect similar issues leading up to the November 2020 election. Panelists discussed the main sources of fake news, the susceptibility of the 2020 election to fake news and disinformation, and potential legal issues to be aware of when confronting this issue. Learn More.
Fall 2018 Symposium.
"Above the Horizon: Developments and Challenges to National Security in Space Law and Policy"
The National Security Law Journal presented our Fall 2018 Symposium, Above the Horizon: Developments and Challenges to National Security in Space Law and Policy. Panelists Jack Beard, David Koplow, and Dr. Brian Weeden were moderated by Kristen Hajduk.
Fall 2017 Panel.
"Security in the New Era of Targeted Sanctions"
On November 13, 2017, the National Security Law Journal its fall symposium, Security in The New Era of Targeted Sanctions. The event discussed targeted sanctions against Russia and North Korea among other countries. Some of the focus of the discussion will be the Magnitsky Act as well as the recertification of the Iranian sanction. The event featureed three panelists: Mr. Mark Katz, Professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government, Mr. Gregory Koblentz, Professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government, Mr. Adam Smith, Partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, and Dr. Andrea Viski, Director at the Strategic Trade Research Institute. Jamil Jaffer, Professor of Law of the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University, will serve as the moderator. Learn More.
Spring 2017 Symposium.
"Exploring Private Sector and Government Interactions Post-Cyber Breach: Insights, Impacts, and Approaches"
The National Security Law Journal hosted our Spring 2017 Symposium on April 12th at 6:00pm exploring the legal and policy issues surrounding private sector and government interactions following a cyber incident. Our panel featured attorneys specializing in cybersecurity, privacy, and national security law from the public and private sector for this event, two of whom were George Mason alumni. Learn More.
Fall 2016 Panel.
"Perspectives on the Responsibility to Protect Doctrine"
On November 1, 2016, the National Security Law Journal, in partnership with the George Mason University Association of Public Policy PhD Students, hosted its fall symposium, Perspectives on the Responsibility to Protect Doctrine. The event featured four panelists: Mr. Steven Groves, Senior Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation, Mr. Christopher “Kip” Hale, international atrocity crimes lawyer and former senior counsel at the American Bar Association Center for Human Rights, Ms. Tahmika Jackson, Attorney-Advisor at the Department of Defense, and Mr. J. Trevor Ulbrick, Law Fellow with the Public International Law and Policy Group. Jeremy Rabkin, Professor of Law at the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University, served as the moderator. Read More.
Spring 2016 Tabletop Legal Exercise.
"Data Breach at the University: Preparing Our Networks"
In partnership with the George Mason University Law and Economic Center, the National Security Law Journal is excited to host Data Breach at the University: Preparing Our Networks, a Cybersecurity Tabletop Legal Exercise. The scenario for this day-long tabletop focuses on a data breach at a public university that has partnered with the Department of Homeland Security on research and development. Participants include representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of Defense, Department of Education, the Virginia Governor’s office, the MS-ISAC, and several local universities. During this tabletop exercise, we will explore the unique cyber security challenges of a university environment, interdependencies with other sectors, and the potential legal implications of a data breach. Learn More.
Fall 2015 Panel.
"Policy by Other Means: A Review of DoD's Law of War Manual"
On Monday, November 16, 2015, the National Security Law Journal hosted Policy By Other Means: A Review of DOD’s Law of War Manual at the Arlington Campus of the George Mason University. Panelists discussed DOD’s recently published department-wide law of war manual including the novelty of the Law of War Manual and current controversies surrounding the unprecedented publication such as the Manual’s impact on journalists who are embedded with deployed military units. Learn More.
Spring 2015 Conversation.
"Cracking Cyber: A Discussion with General Counsel to Demystify the Hacking Phenomenon"
On April 8, 2015, the National Security Law Journal hosted its spring symposium, Cracking Cyber: A Discussion with General Counsel to Demystify the Hacking Phenomenon. The featured three panelists: Mr. Joseph Maher, the Principal Deputy General Counsel from the Department of Homeland Security, Mr. W. Renn Gade, the Senior Legal Counsel from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and Ms. Eliana Davidson, the Deputy General Counsel from the Department of Defense. The panel discussed emerging issues in cybersecurity.
Fall 2014.
"Company Man: Thirty Years of Controversy and Crisis in the CIA"
On Wednesday, November 12, 2014, John Rizzo joined the National Security Law Journal for a conversation about his career as a lawyer with the CIA. Rizzo’s thirty-four-year career with the Agency culminated with seven years as the chief legal officer. The conversation was moderated by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Matt Apuzzo.
Spring 2014 Symposium.
"Safe and Surveilled: Former Attorney General Michael Mukasey on the NSA, Wiretapping, and PRISM"
The National Security Law Journal at George Mason University School of Law is hosting its spring symposium on Wednesday, March 26, 2014, featuring a keynote address by former U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey, who will speak on the NSA, wiretapping, and the data mining program known as PRISM. Learn More.
Fall 2013.
"Blinking Red: Crisis and Compromise in American Intelligence after 9/11"
Presented in partnership with the Homeland and National Security Law Program at George Mason University School of Law, the Biodefense Program at George Mason University, the Intelligence and National Security Alliance, and George Mason University School of Public Policy. Learn More.
Fall 2013 Panel.
"Drone Wars: Challenges and Solutions"
On November 6, 2013, the National Security Law Journal hosted Drone Wars: Challenges and Solutions, a panel discussion on a framework for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles under the law of armed conflict, featuring panelists from the Heritage Foundation, The New York Times, BBC News, and George Mason University School of Law. The event was presented in partnership with the Federalist Society and the Military Law Society at George Mason University School of Law. Learn More.
Spring 2013 Symposium.
"Defending against Cyber-Intrusions from State-sponsored and Civilian Hackers"
For its inaugural symposium, the National Security Law Journal will host General (Ret.) Michael Hayden. The symposium topic is Defending Against Cyber-Intrusions from State-Sponsored and Civilian Hackers. Hayden will be joined by Suzanne Spaulding, Deputy Under Secretary for the National Protection and Programs Directorate at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Ronald Lee, a Partner at Arnold & Porter. Dr. Mark Troutman, Associate Director of the Center for Infrastructure Protection and Homeland Security at George Mason University, will serve as the moderator. Learn More.
