What happens when weapons that cost a few thousand dollars can rival—and even outmaneuver—systems worth millions? This week, Elisa is joined by Dawn Zoldi, a retired Air Force Colonel, attorney, and founder of P3 Tech Consulting, to break down the rapid rise of drone warfare and its growing impact on global conflict. Drawing on examples from Ukraine, Iran, and across the Middle East, they explore how inexpensive drones are transforming military strategy, how AI is reshaping their capabilities, and what it means for those operating far from the battlefield. From swarm technology to legal accountability, the conversation also looks ahead—examining how autonomous drone systems could reshape private sector and industrial roles, taking on tasks once considered too dangerous, costly, or complex for humans.

Dawn Zoldi is a retired Air Force Colonel, licensed attorney, CEO & Founder of P3 Tech Consulting, Publisher of Autonomy Global and an internationally recognized expert on uncrewed aircraft system law and policy.

Autonomy Global is the leading digital media platform providing cutting-edge insights on autonomous technologies, featuring the latest news, industry trends, policies and expert analysis on dual-use drones, eVTOLs, robotics, space, maritime and enabling technologies worldwide.

References:

• Tune in to the Dawn of Autonomy Podcast
• Subscribe to the Autonomy Global Newsletter
• Article: Zoldi, Dawn. “Burning Down the Miracles: Inside Skunk Works’ Next Long-Range Kill Chain Breakthroughs.” Autonomy Global, 26 Feb. 2026
• NSLT Ep. 123, "Drones in the Pandemic with Dawn Zoldi". May 7 2020.
• U.S. Department of War Statement on DJI Systems
• The Law of Armed Conflict Overview
• The Rules of Engagement (ROE) Overview
• XPONENTIAL 2026 – May 11th-14th in Detroit, MI

A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran has paused active hostilities—but major questions remain about what comes next. This week, we feature a recent live panel discussion, “Assessing the War with Iran: Military Policy and Legal Perspectives,” co-hosted by the ABA Standing Committee on Law and National Security and Syracuse University’s Institute for Security Policy and Law. Moderated by Judge James Baker and featuring retired Vice Admiral Robert Murrett and Elisa Ewers, the panel examines the strategic, legal, and economic dimensions of the conflict. Recorded just prior to the ceasefire, the conversation explores U.S. military objectives, the legal authorities underpinning action, potential exit strategies, and the broader global implications of escalation in the region.

Introductions by Stephen Preston, Chair of the ABAs Standing Committee on Law and National Security and Partner at WilmerHale

Moderated by Judge James Baker, Director of the Syracuse University Institute for Security Policy and Law and a Professor of Law at Syracuse University

Robert Murrett is Deputy Director of the Institute for Security Policy and Law at Syracuse University

Elisa Ewers is a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and an Adjunct Senior Fellow at RAND and the Center for a New American Security

References:

ABA Standing Committee on Law and National Security Webpage

As the conflict with Iran evolves, cyber capabilities are proving just as consequential as traditional military force. This week, Elisa sits down with Matt Suiche, founder of OnDB and a former hacker, to examine how cyber operations shape intelligence gathering, targeting, and real-time decision-making in modern conflict. Together, they explore the vulnerabilities of AI systems, the physical risks to critical infrastructure like data centers and undersea cables, and what these emerging threats reveal about the limits of technology in high-stakes warfare.

Matt Suiche is a cybersecurity researcher and founder of OnDB Inc., a data infrastructure startup for the agentic economy.

References:

• NSLT Episode: Elemental Power: Mining, Markets, and the Critical Minerals Challenge with Tommy Beaudreau (Part 1). Feb 18 2025
• NSLT Episode: Seabed Mining as a National Security Threat: The Laws of the Sea with Matt Dianni (Part 1). Jan. 13 2022
• NSLT Episode: Profiting from Polarization: The Economics of America’s Culture War. Nov. 26 2025
• The New York Times. "Meta and YouTube Found Negligent in Landmark Social Media Addiction Trial." 25 Mar. 2026