Fall 2025

Week No. 8

Volume One | Fall 2025 | Weekly Update | Issue No. 1 | Week No. 8

Policy and Research Updates

• Recent Publication – Decision-Making in Defense Policy: Institutions, Bias, and Strategic Accountability

  • This analysis explores how uncertainty, institutional structures, and moral reasoning shape national security decisions. Drawing from cases such as the First World War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and post-9/11 policy, it examines how judgment under pressure influences both strategic success and public legitimacy. The study concludes that ethical accountability and interdisciplinary learning are essential to strengthening future defense decision-making.

• Ongoing Project – Policy Brief on the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025

  • ARA is developing a policy brief examining key provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2025, recently advanced in Congress. The project analyzes proposed reforms in defense modernization, artificial intelligence integration, and cybersecurity readiness. It also evaluates the legislation’s implications for accountability, oversight, and long-term strategic planning within the Department of Defense.

• ARA is exploring partnerships with other New Jersey–based nonprofit organizations for upcoming policy and research collaborations. These partnerships aim to strengthen interdisciplinary outreach, expand applied research opportunities, and promote ethical and inclusive approaches to public policy across the state.

ARA Spotlight

This week’s spotlight: 

• Angelina Sparacio, COO

  • Angelina’s Profile

  • ARA is pleased to welcome Angelina Sparacio as our new Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Angelina will oversee organizational operations, strategic coordination, and internal development initiatives that support ARA’s expanding research and policy programs. Her leadership and dedication to operational excellence will play a vital role in advancing the organization’s mission to strengthen interdisciplinary research and public policy innovation. 

Upcoming Projects and Opportunities

• Call for Contributors and Research Interns

  • Agard Research Associates is currently seeking contributors and research interns to support upcoming projects in defense policy, institutional reform, and public governance. Ideal candidates will have strong analytical and writing skills, with interests in political science, public policy, or history. Contributors will assist with ongoing research initiatives, policy briefs, and upcoming publications for ARA Review. Interested applicants can visit our Opportunities page for details on how to apply.

Inside ARA

• Grant Awards Announcement

  • Agard Research Associates Inc. is proud to announce the receipt of grant funding from two major U.S. corporations in support of its ongoing research and policy initiatives. These awards mark a significant milestone in expanding the organization’s capacity for interdisciplinary research and public engagement. Additional details, pending disclosure approval, will be shared in next week’s edition of ARA Review.

• Board meetings/elections - TBD

  • We will hold a public board meeting and election during mid-November 2025. We will publish the exact date, time, and location in next week’s issue of ARA Review.

External Readings

•  "From the League to the UN” by Gaetano Salvemini

• The Grand Chessboard: American Primacy and Its Geostrategic Imperatives by Zbigniew Brzezinski