Digital Diplomacy: How Cyber and AI Are Shaping the National Security Landscape

On Thursday, January 30, 2025, the Strauss-Clements Intelligence Studies Project will host a public talk, “Digital Diplomacy: How Cyber and AI Are Shaping the National Security Landscape" with William "Bill" Spalding, Associate Deputy Director of CIA for Digital Innovation. Spalding will delve into the critical role of digital capabilities in shaping today’s national security landscape. The Directorate of Digital Innovation (DDI) at CIA serves as the Agency’s frontline for cyber, artificial intelligence, and IT integrity – critical capabilities in any potential conflict. This discussion will explore CIA’s investments in these areas and the role of the intelligence community in ensuring U.S. strategic advantage, how partners and allies can advance our work, the new parameters of a rapidly evolving digital landscape, and the importance of proactive measures in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. The event is free and open to the public.

• Registration is RECOMMENDED. Registrants will receive any updates regarding the event.
• Lunch will be provided.
• Garage parking is available for a fee at the Manor Garage and the San Jacinto Garage. Parking will not be validated.

BIOGRAPHY

William F. Spalding is Associate Deputy Director of CIA for Digital Innovation, a role he assumed in August 2021. Established in 2015, the Directorate of Digital Innovation (DDI) accelerates the development and integration of digital and cyber capabilities across all of CIA’s mission areas. As Associate Deputy Director, Spalding helps to lead DDI’s enterprise operations, policies, and personnel. 

Prior to his current position, Spalding was Director of Digital Futures; Director of the Mission Engagement Staff; DDI Chief of Staff; and DDI Chief in the Western Hemisphere Mission Center. He led the design and implementation of the stand-up of the DDI as part of the Agency Modernization effort – the first new CIA directorate in more than 50 years. His earlier assignments were focused on creating and managing global infrastructures, mission applications, collection systems, and supporting arms control agreements. Spalding led the information technology design and implementation for the stand-up of the Terrorist Threat Integration Center, which later became the National Counterterrorism Center under the Director of National Intelligence. He is a recipient of the Donald R. Cryer Award for Diversity and Inclusion at CIA. 

Spalding began his Agency career in 1986 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, where he was also a cooperative engineering student at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. He earned a Master of Arts degree in National Security Studies from Georgetown University in 1991.