The San Diego World Affairs Council Presents
The Distinguished Speakers Series
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Location of Event:
UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies
8980 Villa La Jolla Drive
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About this Program:
This program, presented by Jacob Doiron, Sr. Cyber Security Consultant and Lecturer at San Diego State University, will explore the geopolitical competition surrounding artificial intelligence and its profound influence on global economics, cybersecurity and warfare. Situating AI as a transformative technology on par with the steam engine, radio, and the internet, the session will examine its role in international relations and economics, focusing on the global race to secure technological dominance. The presentation will emphasize how a nation's ability to develop and control AI will increasingly dictate its standing, influence, and economic power in the new global order.
To contextualize these global stakes, the program will provide an overview of fundamental AI concepts—such as chatbots and autonomous agents —designed specifically to be accessible and engaging for attendees of all technical backgrounds. Topics will include how this rapid technological adoption is fundamentally reshaping labor markets, skill requirements, and industry capabilities. Additionally, the presentation will outline the massive physical infrastructure required to sustain this growth, including expanded data centers, high-performance computing chips, and significant power consumption.
The discussion will examine the many use cases of AI such as cyber attacks, phishing, deepfakes, and shaping public opinion, as well as its growing usage in modern warfare such as drone swarms, autonomous weapons systems, and advanced mass surveillance, The program will also illustrate the tangible ways artificial intelligence is redefining both international security, cyber security, and global economies.
About the Speaker:
Jacob Doiron
Jake is a Senior Cyber Security Consultant with over a decade of experience serving as a defense contractor for the United States Navy. Specializing in cybersecurity, governance, and risk assessment, Jake currently supports the Navy by securing critical information systems and data to ensure the operational readiness of its forces. Throughout his professional career, his work has spanned multiple technical domains across cybersecurity, and enterprise IT management.
In addition to his work in the defense sector, Jake serves as a Lecturer at San Diego State University (SDSU), teaching courses on Cybersecurity, Cyberwarfare, Cybercrime, and Cloud Computing. He also actively works as a consultant specializing in digital forensics and investigations, bridging the gap between academic theory and practical, frontline application.
Jake holds a Master of Science in Homeland Security and a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems, both from San Diego State University.
The San Diego World Affairs Council does not endorse any specific political ideology or viewpoint. As a nonpartisan organization, we are committed to presenting a wide range of perspectives to promote informed, respectful dialogue on complex global issues. The opinions expressed by speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Council, its board, or its partners.
