NSF_War_in_the_MiddleEast_26Mar26_SlideDeck
Interested in learning more about Forecast International and the Defense and Security Monitor? Click these links: Forecast International Website and DSM Website
Have any follow-up questions about the presentation? Email Derek: dbisaccio@govexec.com
Thursday, March 26, 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 7:30-8:30 am, Forum 8:30-9:30 am
$30 members/$35 guests
Virtual on Zoom
Forum 8:30-9:30am PST
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5pl8MUKyQs6lpDcoQzCDfQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
SPEAKER:
Derek Bisaccio
Lead Analyst, Defense Markets and Strategic Analysis, Forecast International
Thank you to all NSF members and guests who joined us for our February program about the role of the US in Latin America. NSF is committed to keeping you informed as national and global security events arise. For those of you who have not attended one of our 2026 programs, we have shifted format to be “conversational” with more opportunities for you to ask questions of our speakers. Please join us for a very stimulating and timely program on March 26th.
A War with Global Consequences
The war between the United States, Israel, and Iran that began on February 28, 2026 has quickly become one of the most consequential geopolitical crises of the decade. Missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region have threatened critical energy infrastructure and shipping routes, raising concerns about global oil supply disruptions and broader economic instability.
The implications extend far beyond the Middle East. Governments are reassessing defense capabilities, military supply chains, and alliance commitments as the conflict unfolds. The rapid proliferation of drones and missile systems—and the growing importance of counter‑UAS and missile defense technologies—is reshaping the character of modern warfare.
To help make sense of these developments, the National Security Forum of Nevada welcomes Derek Bisaccio, Lead Analyst for Defense Markets and Strategic Analysis at Forecast International, to examine how the conflict may influence global defense markets, military modernization priorities, and strategic competition in the years ahead.
Program Overview
Drawing on Forecast International’s global defense market research, Bisaccio will examine how the conflict is influencing defense production, procurement priorities, and military modernization strategies across multiple regions—particularly Europe and the Middle East.
Forecast International tracks global military equipment production, national defense budgets, and government spending policies to understand how geopolitical events drive defense demand. The discussion will explore how conflicts reshape procurement priorities and stimulate growth in key areas such as missile defense, drones, and counter‑UAS systems.
Topics We Will Explore
- How the U.S.–Israel–Iran war may reshape global defense procurement priorities
- The accelerating importance of drones, missiles, and counter‑UAS systems
- Implications for the U.S. and allied defense industrial base
- How Gulf states and regional actors may adapt defense modernization strategies
- Second‑ and third‑order geopolitical effects of the conflict
- The growing importance of domestic defense manufacturing partnerships
- Implications for missile defense and counter‑drone technologies
- Potential implications for China’s strategy toward Taiwan
Why Attend?
- Community Conversation: Join Nevada’s national security community—military leaders, industry professionals, academics, and students. The program will also consider second‑ and third‑order effects of the war, including potential implications for China’s strategic calculus regarding Taiwan, global financial markets, and the broader geopolitical balance.
- Strategic Insight: Understand how this conflict could reshape global security dynamics and military planning.
- Defense Market Intelligence: Learn how wars influence procurement decisions, defense spending, and industrial capacity.
- Technology and Warfare: Examine how the ubiquitous use of drones, missiles, and counter‑UAS systems is changing modern battlefields.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Time: 8:30–9:30 AM Pacific (Breakfast served 7:45–8:30 AM)
Location: J Resort, 345 N Arlington Ave, Reno, NV
Virtual: Live via Zoom
About the Speaker
Derek Bisaccio is Lead Analyst for Defense Markets and Strategic Analysis at Forecast International. He edits Forecast International’s International Military Markets – Middle East & Africa and Eurasia intelligence products and regularly contributes to Defense and Security Monitor. His work focuses on global defense production, military procurement trends, and the strategic motivations shaping defense spending worldwide.
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/