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Bridging History and Cybersecurity: Jack Greenwood’s Research on Emerging Cyber Powers

Jack Greenwood is a junior in the ACES Living Learning Program (LLP), majoring in History with a minor in Law. For him, research is more than an academic exercise, it’s a way to connect the lessons of the past with the challenges of the digital future. His growing interest in national security and international strategy has led him to an unconventional intersection of disciplines: history, policy, and cybersecurity.

“I’m currently in my junior year, pursuing a major in history with a minor in law, and I plan to add an additional focus on terrorism studies,” Jack explains. “These subjects reflect my determination to build foundational skills that will allow me to contribute to national security research, which is also why I got involved with ACES.”

The ACES program gave Jack the opportunity to expand beyond traditional historical research and dive into the world of cyber policy. “It may be atypical for history majors to engage with cybersecurity-related coursework,” he notes, “but my research is an incredible opportunity to cultivate analytical skills regarding international strategies and policies within a new domain of diplomacy, conflict, and economic growth.”

Exploring the Cyber Doctrines of Emerging Powers

Jack’s research began when he reached out to ACES professional staff, seeking guidance on how to combine his interests in political history and cybersecurity policy. Their advice led him to connect with Professor Charles Harry, a seasoned practitioner and researcher with experience in intelligence and cyber operations.

Together, they are conducting a comparative study of how emerging nations develop and apply cybersecurity doctrines. “We are working to assess the cybersecurity doctrines and force structures of emerging cyber-powers, such as Brazil, India, Pakistan, Israel, and Iran, in consideration of their unique geopolitical environments and national goals,” Jack says.

The project demands rigorous analysis of limited and often ambiguous information. “The primary challenge of this research is the dynamic nature of cybersecurity in conjunction with the absence of existing scholarly research for me to cite,” he explains. “As a result, I’ve had to work extra hard to compile relevant sources and cross-reference them to ensure their information is still accurate.”

Still, the rewards outweigh the challenges. “Every connection I make after sifting through government web pages, foreign articles, and research journals is an extremely rewarding moment that clears the fog around the picture I am trying to discover,” Jack shares.

His work has already illuminated key real-world implications, such as the cyber-rivalry between India and Pakistan and Brazil’s use of cyber capabilities to combat domestic crime and cartels. These insights, he notes, reveal how nations tailor their cyber strategies to reflect their unique political and security priorities.

From Research to Real-World Application

Jack’s research isn’t just theoretical, it’s training for the kind of analytical thinking demanded in national security and intelligence careers.

“This project has been one of my first opportunities to leverage my academic skills toward the creation of an intelligence assessment with relevant implications for national security,” he says. “By conducting this research, I’ve learned to analyze information from unfamiliar sources in a dynamic environment, which has allowed me to bridge the gap between strategic goals and real-life policy decisions.”

These experiences have strengthened his confidence in pursuing a career focused on strategy, analysis, and innovation in national security. “I feel more confident that I can excel in a future career in which I must navigate ambiguity within the national security environment and inspire innovative approaches to problem-solving,” he reflects.

Advice for Aspiring Researchers

Jack encourages other students to pursue research with intention and enthusiasm. “You get out exactly what you put in,” he advises. “Discover a topic you are passionate about, so that you can move forward with maximum effort and go above and beyond.”

For Jack Greenwood, research has become more than just a college experience, it’s a bridge between disciplines and a pathway toward shaping the future of cybersecurity policy. His journey demonstrates how curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to explore unconventional intersections can lead to meaningful contributions in a rapidly evolving global landscape.


Published January 5, 2026