The Arlington Institute

Overview

The Arlington Institute (TAI) is a U.S. based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that specializes in future-focused research and analysis. It was founded in 1989 by John L. Petersen, with the mission of broadly defining national security by incorporating global trends such as population growth, environmental degradation, and scientific advancements[1][3].

History

The Arlington Institute was initially incorporated in the State of Virginia in 1989 as The Arlington Institute for National Strategy. In 1992, its name was shortened to The Arlington Institute[3]. Over the years, TAI has developed comprehensive strategies for various sectors, including government and private enterprises, by employing advanced technologies and scenario development techniques[1][4].

Activities

TAI engages in several key activities to anticipate future challenges and opportunities:

• Scenario Development: TAI crafts scenarios to help organizations predict and prepare for possible future events, including low-probability high-impact events known as "wildcards"[3][4].
• Trend Analysis: The organization tracks and evaluates significant trends in science, technology, demographics, and the environment to inform decision-making[4].
• Consulting and Research: TAI offers customized services such as strategy design and business idea identification for its clients[2].

Team and Partnerships

The Arlington Institute's team includes notable figures such as Catherine Austin Fitts, David E. Martin, and James Woolsey. Past and current partners include institutions like IBM, the Global Business Network, and the World Future Society[3].

Projects and Initiatives

• Y2K Preparations: TAI played a significant role in helping organizations prepare for the potential disruptions stemming from the Y2K bug by developing strategies and conducting public surveys[1].
• LISA System: In 2002, TAI launched the Large Integrated Search and Analysis (LISA) system to identify potentially impactful future events[3].

Mission

The Arlington Institute aims to influence positive change by enhancing our ability to anticipate the future. It seeks to combine cutting-edge analytical technologies with a global network of thinkers to inform decision-makers and shape strategic visions[4].