Benjamin Boudreaux

Photo of Benjamin Boudreaux
Policy Researcher; Professor, Pardee RAND Graduate School
Santa Monica Office

Education

Ph.D. in philosophy, University of California at Berkeley; M.S. in foreign service, Georgetown University; B.A. in economics and philosophy, New York University

Overview

Ben Boudreaux is a professor at the Pardee RAND Graduate School and a policy researcher at RAND working in the intersection of ethics, emerging technology, and international security. His current research focuses on ethical issues in artificial intelligence (including algorithmic fairness, biometric surveillance, and military AI applications) and cyberspace policy.  He teaches the core ethics course at the Pardee RAND Graduate School and a policy design studio on the challenges associated with social media.

Prior to joining RAND, Boudreaux was a Foreign Affairs Officer in the State Department's Cyber Policy office, where he led State's cyber operations portfolio and worked to promote security and stability in cyberspace. He also has research interests and experience in conflict prevention, Middle Eastern and South Asian regional issues, and international migration.

Boudreaux holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley where he focused on ethical theory and political philosophy, a M.S. in foreign service from Georgetown University, and a B.A. in economics and philosophy from NYU.

Research Focus

Pardee RAND Graduate School Courses

Commentary

  • Woman using a phone with a coronavirus tracking app installed, photo by kzenon/Getty Images

    Mobile Health Surveillance Is Here to Stay, So How Do We Protect Privacy?

    Mobile phone surveillance can augment public health interventions to manage COVID-19 and might help countries prepare for the next outbreak. But these programs collect sensitive health and behavior data. That raises significant risks to personal privacy and civil liberties.

    Aug 20, 2020 Inside Sources

  • Artificial eye looking through greenery

    Does the U.S. Face an AI Ethics Gap?

    Instead of worrying about an artificial intelligence “ethics gap,” U.S. policymakers and the military community could embrace a leadership role in AI ethics. This may help ensure that the AI arms race doesn't become a race to the bottom.

    Jan 11, 2019 RealClearDefense

  • World map with electronic circuits

    When Cyber Attacks Occur, Who Should Investigate?

    Data breaches and cyberattacks cross geopolitical boundaries, targeting individuals, corporations and governments. Creating a global body with a narrow focus on investigating and assigning responsibility for cyberattacks could be the first step to creating a digital world with accountability.

    Dec 6, 2018 United Press International

Publications