To view the slide deck, fact sheet, and National Security Strategy (2025) used in this presentation, please click below:
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
NSF Hybrid Event
In-Person at
J Resort
345 N Arlington Ave, Reno, NV 89501
(Park at the East entrance, enter the casino, and take the stairs or elevator to the Mezzanine level)
Breakfast served 7:45-8:30 am, Forum 8:45-9:45 am
$30 members/$35 guests
Virtual on Zoom
Forum 8:45-9:45am PST
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BEl4j_GKRfahbag2J6L90g
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
SPEAKERS:
Keith Hansen and Rae Huffstutler
NSF Expert Contributors
Happy New Year!
The National Security Forum of Nevada (NSF) invites members and guests to its first forum of 2026 for a timely and high-impact analysis of the first National Security Strategy (NSS) of the second Trump Administration, released in late 2025. This hybrid breakfast forum will feature two of NSF’s most respected and experienced contributors—Keith Hansen and Rae Huffstutler—who will unpack what the strategy says, what it signals, and what it means for U.S. national security in an era of renewed great power competition. You can read or download the strategy at: 2025 NSS
Just as NSF’s September 2025 forum with Dr. John Nagl challenged audiences to confront uncomfortable questions about preparedness for major conflict, this program returns to first principles: What is America’s national security strategy, how has it changed, and how will it shape U.S. power at home and abroad? The new Trump Administration’s 2025 National Security Strategy is unapologetically focused on sovereignty, deterrence, industrial strength, energy dominance, and burden-sharing—marking a clear departure from post–Cold War consensus thinking and providing an early blueprint for the second Trump Administration’s national security agenda.
Recent commentary across the national security community has underscored the importance of this document as more than a rhetorical exercise. Analysts have noted its emphasis on prioritization over universality, restraint over permanent intervention, and “peace through strength” as a guiding principle. With conflicts ongoing in Europe and the Middle East, intensifying competition with China, and renewed focus on the Western Hemisphere, the 2025 NSS is already shaping policy debates across defense, intelligence, diplomacy, and the defense industrial base.
Keith Hansen and Rae Huffstutler (NSF expert contributors) bring unmatched depth to this discussion. Drawing on decades of senior service across the defense and intelligence communities, they will analyze the strategy’s core assumptions, its regional priorities, and its implications for deterrence, nuclear policy, alliance management, intelligence, and emerging technologies. Their discussion will highlight areas of continuity and rupture with past strategies—and explore what this strategy may mean in practice rather than on paper.
A New Year—and a New (Familiar) Venue
This forum also marks an exciting transition for NSF. Beginning in 2026, NSF will host its in-person forums at the J Resort (345 N. Arlington Ave., Reno)—a newly revitalized downtown venue long known to Nevadans as “the old Sands.” Centrally located and steeped in Reno history, the J Resort provides a fresh setting for NSF’s growing community of military leaders, policymakers, scholars, industry professionals, and engaged citizens. We are also shifting our program start time for this event to 8:45am and will conclude by 9:45am (sharp). We value your feedback as we consider shifting the program start time to 8:30am, with conclusion at 9:30am (sharp).
In addition to a new venue, we will be rolling out a new format for our forum events with more conversation and opportunities for you to participate. You can send questions in advance to include in the discussion at: mccarthy@nationalsecurityforum.org
Why Attend?
- Strategic Insight: Understand the worldview and priorities shaping U.S. national security policy in 2026 and beyond.
- Expert Analysis: Hear directly from two seasoned practitioners who have helped shape—and critique—U.S. strategy from inside the system.
- Continuing the Conversation: Build on themes raised in NSF’s Dr. Nagl forum and subsequent programs on great power competition, deterrence, and resilience.
- Community Engagement: Connect with Nevada’s national security community in person or online for informed, civil discussion.
This forum will set the tone for NSF’s 2026 programming, launching a year of conversations focused on strategy, resilience, and the future of American power.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, January 21st 2026
Time: 8:45-9:45 AM Pacific (Breakfast served 8:00–8:45 AM for in-person attendees)
Location: J Resort (345 N. Arlington Ave., Reno)
Virtual: Live via Zoom (registration required)
Zoom Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BEl4j_GKRfahbag2J6L90g
About the Speakers
Keith Hansen is a former U.S. Navy officer with 30 years of service and a former National Intelligence Officer for Strategic Programs and Nuclear Proliferation. He played a key role in nuclear arms control and nonproliferation negotiations, including efforts toward a comprehensive nuclear test ban. He is the author and coauthor of several influential books on intelligence and weapons of mass destruction and resides in Incline Village, Nevada.
Rae Huffstutler served in senior leadership roles in the Intelligence Community, including as Executive Director of the CIA, Director of the National Photographic Interpretation Center, and Director of Soviet Research. A two-time recipient of the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, he was inducted into the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Hall of Fame. Rae is a longtime NSF contributor and lives part of the year in Truckee, California.
The National Security Forum is a non-partisan, educational, nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering civil discourse and informed discussion about timely and important national security topics. We bring expert speakers from around the U.S. to talk about national and international security, domestic and foreign terrorism, economic and financial threats, the safety of our food and water supply, energy policy, electrical grid stability, and a variety of other topics that affect all Americans. The National Security Forum partners with the Washoe County School District to host an annual Youth Security Forum to encourage future generations of national security leaders.
To support NSF continuing to bring national security programs to our community and our local students, please join NSF as a member or Friend of the Forum at: https://nationalsecurityforum.org/membership/about-our-membership/