The Critical Mass has partnered with CRDF Global to offer Ukrainian Scientists tailored support Support to Ukraine Support to Ukrainian Scientists Read More TCM Thoughts on Ukrainian Science and Innovation - Challenges in Days of War Read More The Critical Mass (TCM) and The Institute of General Energy of the NAS of Ukraine Sign Agreement / The Critical Mass та Інститут загальної енергетики НАН України підписали договір про співпрацю Read More The Critical Mass and Local Alexandria, VA Partners Raise $4,500 for Razom for Ukraine Read More

Dr. Siegfried S. Hecker < Back “Hinge Points: An Inside Look at North Korea’s Nuclear Program” Dr. Siegfried S. Hecker The North Korean nuclear program remains one of the worst failures of the nonproliferation regime till date. Despite strict protection of nuclear assets, fissile materiel and expertise, the 2005 nuclearization of the Korean peninsula owes its existence to glaring failures in the nonproliferation and materials security regime. Dr. Hecker’s overview of how the DPRK acquired its nuclear weapons serves as not only an indicator of holes in the nonproliferation system, but also in the failures of policy that led to it in the first place. https://cisac.fsi.stanford.edu/people/siegfried_s_hecker https://www.amazon.com/Hinge-Points-Inside-Nuclear-Program/dp/1503634450 https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2023-06/book-reviews/hinge-points-inside-look-north-koreas-nuclear-program Previous Next

Shakib Noori serves as Manager of Program Operations at The Critical Mass. He comes with over 15 years of work experience in Project Management, Program Design, and Business Development. He previously worked as Director for International Capture at AMS, CEO of Roshan Telecom's owned Mobile Services, M-Paisa, Consultant at World Bank HQ’s IEG, and Economic Counselor at the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington, DC. Shakib Noori Title: Senior Business Development Manager Email: shakib.noori@thecriticalmass.com Shakib Noori serves as Senior Business Development Manager at The Critical Mass. He comes with over 15 years of work experience in business development and business growth, project management and program design. He previously worked as Director for International Capture at AMS, CEO of Roshan Telecom's owned Mobile Services, M Paisa, Consultant at World Bank HQ’s IEG, and Economic Counselor at the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington DC. Shakib’s academic record combines economics, international relations, and policy management, through a Master’s (M.P.A) in International Economic Policy and Management from Columbia University (New York City). Early on in his career, Shakib assumed high-responsibility appointments, beginning with his role as Director of Investment Promotion for the newly established Afghanistan Investment Support Agency in 2005. This position was of particular significance as it coincided with Afghanistan's efforts to welcome international investors, after enduring 30 years of civil strife. From 2007 to 2011, Shakib was employed as a Trade and Investment Policy Advisor at Adam Smith International.

Alan serves as Program Manager and brings a decade of foreign policy and international security experience. Before graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Columbia University with a degree in international relations, his eight-year military service took him to twenty-one different countries. Alan Spadone Title: Lead Program Manager Email: alan.spadone@thecriticalmass.com Alan serves as Lead Program Manager and brings a decade of foreign policy and international security experience. Before graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Columbia University with a degree in international relations, his eight-year military service took him to twenty-one different countries. At Columbia University, he was the sole undergraduate on the Journal of International Affairs editorial staff, a leading peer-reviewed journal published by the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University . As a senior editor, he was responsible for the framing and flow of the issue and worked closely with the rest of the editorial team to ensure the quality and profile of solicited articles. In addition, he cultivated and maintained relationships with contributing authors and provided stylistic and grammatical feedback when required. Throughout his academic career, he has presented research papers at international conferences sponsored by Georgetown University, the Ivy League, and the Higher School of Economics in Moscow. While completing his studies, he also interned with the U.S. Mission to NATO in Brussels and in the Secretary of State’s Office in Washington D.C.

Chris Stotts serves as CBRNE Planning and Operations Lead. He brings extensive multidisciplinary experience, specializing in critically examining, analyzing, and engaging with complex issues surrounding the intersection of scientific and technological developments with international relations and policies, and the relevance to the evolving international security agenda. Chris Stotts Title: Training and Development Manager and Senior CBRNE SME Email: chris.stotts@thecriticalmass.com Chris Stotts serves as Training and Development Manager and Senior CBRNE SME . He brings extensive multidisciplinary experience, specializing in critically examining, analyzing, and engaging with complex issues surrounding the intersection of scientific and technological developments with international relations and policies, and the relevance to the evolving international security agenda. Chris adds extensive subject matter experience to the team through his history as a team leader-certified Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal professional with 19+ years of both tactical and strategic operational experience. During this period, he served as a technical authority recommending and implementing policy guidance for the direction, integration, and management of international programs and activities related to countering Chemical Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive (CBRNE) threats, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) operations, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operations, and counterterrorism support operations including Irregular Warfare Threat Analysis, and Training Support Packages. He also supported the Theater Security Cooperation Program by fostering lasting reciprocal partnerships with both military and civilian law enforcement and intelligence agencies of regional partners in the Asia-Pacific region. Chris's global mindset on International Affairs was significantly influenced through his travels to 22 different nation-states throughout the world and his graduate education in The United Kingdom. Chris’s formal education build upon his experience and includes a Bachelor’s degree (suma cum laude) from Florida International University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) , and a Master’s degree with merit from King’s College London’s Center for Science and Security located within their war studies department. He is also a graduate of the Army’s Senior Leaders Course and the Naval School for Explosive Ordnance Disposal .

Jordan Wilhelm is a founding member and serves as CEO of The Critical Mass, bringing over 15 years of program management and International Post Conflict Stabilization and Hazard-Reduction experience to the sustainability enterprise. Keily Yemm Title: Research Analyst/Operations Support Email: keily.yemm@thecriticalmass.com Keily Yemm is a Research Analyst at The Critical Mass, providing analytical and operational support for projects involving process hazard analysis, regulatory research, and technical documentation. Her work focuses on synthesizing complex regulatory requirements, including OSHA, DoD, Army, NFPA, and EPA standards, into clear, actionable materials that support project teams and stakeholders. She brings a background in explosive ordnance disposal and emergency management, with experience supporting hazard mitigation, training, and operational planning in both military and civilian environments. Keily served as a U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician, including a deployment to Iraq in support of counter-mobility and force protection operations. Following her military service, she worked in state emergency management and related roles, contributing to preparedness, mitigation, and interagency coordination efforts. At The Critical Mass, Keily supports regulatory research, scenario analysis, site visit preparation, documentation and reporting, stakeholder coordination, training support, and project coordination. She also assists with internal processes and administrative systems that help streamline project execution and improve organizational efficiency. She remains actively engaged in the military and veteran community, supporting initiatives that help service members and their families navigate complex transitions. Keily is known for her collaborative approach, attention to detail, and commitment to supporting teams working in complex, high-consequence environments.

The Critical Mass is an international security Do & Think Tank. We implement results-focused projects & sustainable security solutions by championing diverse expertise & innovation. I #TCMSustainableSecurity by, with, & through the right partners, at the right time, with the right expectations. Earth Month 2026 NSROC Collage 2025 In November, TCM’s CEO Elizabeth Jordan Wilhelm and Operations Manager Mariya Chukhnova visited Wallops Flight Facility to meet with the extraordinary team of technicians, engineers, and mechanics who build and launch sounding rockets in support of scientific and research missions around the world. TCM accepted into #GS10KSB The Critical Mass is proud to announce that we've been accepted into the "Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses" National Cohort 19. Earth Month 2026 1/14 CAPABILITIES Our team offers security and defense assistance policy, program, and project professional and technical support to the US and other donor Government sponsors, implementing stakeholders, foreign assistance coordinators and recipients. Learn More PROJECTS The Critical Mass is the chosen implementing partner for projects across the globe on behalf of the US Government and partner nation senior officials Learn More PARTNERS The Critical Mass is proud to support several US Government, partner nation governments, universities, non-profits, and security practitioners. Learn More ABOUT US The Critical Mass (TCM), LLC is an established Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Woman-Owned (WOSB) based in Alexandria, Virginia. We are an international security Do and Think tank and implement results-focused projects and sustainable security solutions by championing diverse expertise and innovation. TCM is a trusted advisor and partner to sponsors and allies, and a builder of an inclusive global community of security-focused professionals. Current service areas include: CBRNE Security & Counterproliferation; Science Diplomacy; Process Hazard Analysis (OSHA) / Ammunition Depot Risk Mitigation; Risk Mitigation of Emerging Technologies (incl. AI); Integrated Program Design, Management & Compliance; Vendor Threat Mitigation and Third Party Due Diligence; Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning; Women, Peace and Security; Staff Augmentation. We support a number of important initiatives with the US Department of State and other international partners. Key recent projects include: Support and training for the Ukrainian scientific community in Ukraine, Poland, and Central Europe; Dual-use goods and border security initiatives in Iraq and Panama; WMD crime scene and evidence investigation in Morocco; Identifying and mitigating Russian public health disinformation in Georgia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan; Countering cyberbullying and strengthening media literacy in Georgia; Aviation security and chemical response initiatives in Kurdistan. Meet Our Team See Our Work LANGUAGES TCM's team collectively speaks 14 languages, which enhances our reach in international communication and project implementation. Our linguistic proficiency also enables us to establish effective partnerships with local stakeholders across the globe. Partners PARTNERS U.S. Department of Defense Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA ) Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR ) Directorate Biological Threat Reduction Program (BTRP) Proliferation Prevention Program (PPP) Global Nuclear Security (GNS) Chemical Security and Elimination (CSE) U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN ) Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) Office of Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism (WMDT) Office of Export Control Cooperation (ECC) Export Control and Related Border Security Program (EXBS) NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organization Public Diplomacy Division Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR ) Office of Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism (WMDT ) Office of Export Control Cooperation (ECC ) Export Control and Related Border Security Program (EXBS ) Partner With Us Deliberate Destruction of Ukrainian Scientific Infrastructure by Russia: The Urgency of Its Protection and Restoration The Critical Mass (TCM) and The Institute of General Energy of the NAS of Ukraine Sign Agreement TCM Welcomes Shakib Noori as Program Operations Manager TCM Thoughts on Ukrainian Science and Innovation - Challenges in Days of War The Critical Mass and Local Alexandria, VA Partners Raise $4,500 for Razom for Ukraine TCM Thoughts on Female Leaders in Security and Government Contracting TCM Blog Contact

TCM implements results-focused projects and sustainable security solutions by championing diverse expertise and innovation. We are a trusted advisor and partner to sponsors and allies, and a builder of an inclusive global community of security-focused professionals.​ Sustainable Security by, with, and through the right partners, at the right time, with the right expectations. I #TCMSustainableSecurity I HOW WE DO IT TCM Core Principles At The Critical Mass, we are guided by four fundamental principles that shape our approach to problem-solving and decision-making. These anchor our decisions, relationships, strategies, and solutions: Transparency: We conduct our projects with openness, collaboration, and integrity. We rigorously document, share freely, and provide feedback. Curiosity: Evidence-backed logic chains and deep contextual research backstop all of our programming. We are readers, and we cite our sources or conduct the pilot ourselves. Empowerment: We are committed to supporting our partners and stakeholders to thrive. Sustainability: Our focus is on crafting long-lasting, scalable solutions and institutions with resources, buy-in, accountability, and roadmaps to address emerging global security challenges. We have strong expertise and practical experience in conducting Process Hazard Analyses (PHA) and all 13 other elements of Process Safety Management (PSM) within defense and government sectors, ensuring compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Our approach systematically identifies and evaluates potential hazards in operations involving hazardous chemicals, implementing safeguards to mitigate risks. By analyzing possible failures and their consequences, we develop effective measures to protect both personnel and the environment. With our proven track record, we are well-qualified to support additional PHA and PSM efforts in the private and public sectors. Building strong and sustainable partnerships continues to be key to the success of our organization. We enjoy and take great pride in working with a multitude of partners, local vendors, subcontractors, and other partners when implementing projects globally. As one of the tools to ensure that we uphold our standards and safeguard our reputation throughout our partnerships, we have developed a Third-Party Due Diligence Concept. Through the main pillars of the concept – compliance, reputation, performance and financials- we are able to assess the compatibility with potential partners to the benefit of our partners and clients. Given the nature of our work, The Critical Mass is committed to fulfilling its legal obligations by ensuring that all data is used strictly for approved purposes and remains secure from unauthorized or illegal disclosure. To achieve this, TCM has developed and implemented a tailored Data Handling and Protection Protocol. This protocol is designed to address the specific needs and challenges of our operations, safeguarding sensitive information while maintaining compliance with industry standards. Continuous monitoring and regular updates ensure that our practices remain effective and up-to-date in an evolving data security landscape. Since 2021, TCM has been executing projects in Ukraine and is committed to expanding its presence and operations in the region. Recognizing the significant challenges, including reputational and financial risks - particularly the risk of corruption - TCM has developed a Handbook to address and mitigate these risks. TCM is prepared to apply the same strategic approach in other countries, tailoring similar handbooks to meet the unique needs and challenges of each region, ensuring that all projects are conducted with the highest standards of integrity and effectiveness globally. Our company places a high priority on Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Quality Control to ensure the effectiveness and integrity of our operations. We have developed a mechanism that rigorously tracks and assesses our programs and processes. These mechanisms are designed to continuously measure outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that all activities meet the highest standards of quality. By systematically evaluating our performance, we are able to make data-driven decisions, maintain accountability, and deliver results that align with our objectives and the needs of our stakeholders. When approaching and executing projects, we employ a tailored strategy to identify the target audience, select relevant local partners, and develop an action plan. We carefully consider factors such as the political and social environment, economic conditions, and current events to ensure our approach is well-informed. As our primary focus is on impact-driven projects with an emphasis on sustainability, we recognize the important role of having a local partner who understands the nuances of the region and can provide essential support for a deep understanding of the target audience’s needs and context, enhancing our project’s effectiveness and impact. TCM has established strong and lasting partnerships with regional experts who bring valuable Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and analytical skills, facilitating impactful collaboration for research purposes. Research is often a critical component of our projects, helping us to understand the specific dynamics of the targeted area or to address complex problems by identifying the most suitable solutions. These partnerships enhance the depth and accuracy of our research and ensure that our approaches are well-informed and tailored to local contexts. TCM specializes in CBRNe training and risk management, emphasizing prevention and mitigation measures implemented left-of-threat prior to incident manifestation. Our methodology integrates global and localized military, civilian, academic, and industry sectors to achieve a strong preparedness against CBRNe threats - a preparedness that is both comprehensive and ensured across sectors. TCM partners worldwide have operationalized our methodologies to enhance consequence management, response planning, modeling, and simulation efforts in the defense of critical infrastructure. These initiatives have contributed to the development and refinement of response policies and practice frameworks across partner nations, enhancing capacities from the tactical level of first responders to the strategic formulation of national CBRNe response doctrines. For each project, we conduct detailed risk assessments to identify potential challenges and obstacles that could impact our work. Recognizing that risks can vary significantly depending on the region, we develop and implement tailored risk mitigation strategies that are specifically designed to address the unique circumstances of each location. Our team consists of experts with deep knowledge and experience across many regions of the world, allowing us to create informed and effective strategies that account for local dynamics, regulatory environments, cultural considerations, and geopolitical factors.

Scott Eshom serves as Director of Programs at The Critical Mass, bringing over 15 years of multidisciplinary experience combining program management, International Development, Counter-Terrorism, Special Operations, Finance, National Politics, and Consulting. Irene Jang Title: Business Development Analyst Email: irene.jang@thecriticalmass.com Irene Jang serves as Business Development Analyst at The Critical Mass. Prior to joining TCM, Irene gained extensive experiences in research, human rights, and business development. In her most recent position as business development intern at SIMPLi , Irene acquired critical skillsets in the business development world, learning the significance of understanding company goal and mission when seeking to expand the firm’s capabilities. This was especially crucial as Irene undertook many of SIMPLi’s new projects to strengthen the company’s presence in the industry. She quantified their impact by researching standardized metrics used in the field for their inaugural impact report and conducted due diligence on potential business partnerships. Before entering the business development world, Irene had, and continues to gain, formative experiences in the human rights field. Her position as communication and media intern with Human Rights Watch provided her extensive opportunities in utilizing data via media monitoring platforms to determine how to maximize media sources for audience outreach. Her data analysis during 2020 culminated in a data analysis report for the executives of HRW. Currently, Irene is an undergraduate student at Barnard College of Columbia University , studying political science and Russian studies. She continues to cultivate her analytical and research skills as a research assistant with Columbia’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR) organization, African American Redress Network, where she helps communities that face economic and ecological genocide build capacity for legislative change. Furthermore, she is a policy analyst for the Columbia Political Review , focusing particularly in China and Russian relations. Irene speaks Korean, but hopes to expand her linguistic and regional expertise of the Slavic and Eastern European region during her studies.

< Back TCM Thoughts on Ukrainian Science and Innovation - Challenges in Days of War Read in English on TCM's LinkedIn Newsletter Read in Ukrainian on TCM's Blog Project Gallery Previous Next

Jordan Wilhelm is a founding member and serves as CEO of The Critical Mass, bringing over 15 years of program management and International Post Conflict Stabilization and Hazard-Reduction experience to the sustainability enterprise. Jordan Wilhelm Title: CEO & Founder Email: jordan.wilhelm@thecriticalmass.com Jordan Wilhelm is a founding member and serves as CEO of The Critical Mass, bringing over 15 years of program management and International Post Conflict Stabilization and Hazard-Reduction experience to the sustainability enterprise. Prior to creating The Critical Mass, Jordan was the Director of Conventional Weapons Destruction (CWD) for one of the world’s largest UXO remediation companies. Jordan managed contracts with the US Department of State as well as other international organizations to conduct IED, UXO, CBR and Explosive Hazard clearance in post conflict environments worldwide. Jordan is a team leader-certified Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Officer , with deployment, operations, and company command experience in EOD and CBRNE operations. She has conducted EOD and Logistics Operations in support of Engineer units in Northern Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and in Southern Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). She also served a tour on a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Ghazni, Afghanistan coordinating logistics, humanitarian aid, and women’s affairs. She serves on the Board of Directors of The MOAA Foundation , the largest and most influential military service organization in the nation and was a 2021 40 Under 40 honoree with the Chamber ALX , for which she was featured in the November 2021 issue of VIP Alexandria Magazine . Jordan has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Virginia and a Master’s Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management from Georgetown Universit y. She is also a graduate of Federal Officer Candidate Training School, the Combined Logistics Captains Career Course, and Naval School for Explosive Ordnance Disposal .

Ethiana serves as Junior Project Coordinator at The Critical Mass, bringing over her experience as a student to the company and aiding in ad hoc tasks, writing reports, data analysis, and project management help on current projects. Ethiana Hacsh Title: Junior Project Coordinator Email: ethiana.hacsh@thecriticalmass.com Ethiana serves as Junior Project Coordinator at The Critical Mass, bringing over her experience as a student to the company and aiding in ad hoc tasks, writing reports, data analysis, and project management help on current projects. Prior to and during her time at The Critical Mass, Ethiana is an undergraduate student at the College of William in Mary in Williamsburg, VA where she studies Government and Data Science. Her immediate interests lie in security studies and using data and data visualizations to communicate effective information for policy analysis and implementation. Ethiana’s skills include basic programming (Python, R-Studio), Research Proposal Writing and proficiency in the languages of English and Spanish. She hopes to continue building her professional skillset throughout the remaining years of her undergrad education at William and Mary.

Frank Hoffman < Back “Black Swans and Pink Flamingoes: Five Principles for Force Design” Frank Hoffman Over generations of American military planning, Frank Hoffman assesses that the record of foreseeing the location, nature and requirements of the next war have been dismal. As a result, he suggests, American planning techniques must fundamentally change to account for incorrect prediction and leave open to the United States a range of flexible avenues and responses to meet the needs of tomorrow’s crisis. https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-hoffman-bb65407/ https://www.fpri.org/article/2015/08/black-swans-and-pink-flamingos-five-principles-for-force-design/ https://warontherocks.com/2015/08/black-swans-and-pink-flamingos-five-principles-for-force-design/ Previous Next

Sustainable Security by, with, and through the right partners, at the right time, with the right expectations. I #TCMSustainableSecurity I The Critical Mass (TCM), LLC is an established SDVWOSB based in Alexandria, VA. We are an international security Do and Think tank and implement results-focused projects and sustainable security solutions by championing diverse expertise and innovation. ABOUT TCM The Critical Mass (TCM), LLC is an established Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Woman-Owned (WOSB) based in Alexandria, Virginia. We are an international security Do and Think tank and implement results-focused projects and sustainable security solutions by championing diverse expertise and innovation. TCM is a trusted advisor and partner to sponsors and allies, and a builder of an inclusive global community of security-focused professionals. Current service areas include: CBRNE Security & Counterproliferation; Remediation Services; Cybersecurity; Integrated Program Design & Management; Quality Framework; Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning. We support a number of important initiatives with the US Department of State and other international partners. Key recent projects include: Support and training for the Ukrainian scientific community in Ukraine, Poland, and Central Europe; Dual-use goods and border security initiatives in Iraq and Panama; WMD crime scene and evidence investigation in Morocco; Identifying and mitigating Russian public health disinformation in Georgia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan; Countering cyberbullying and strengthening media literacy in Georgia; Aviation security and chemical response initiatives in Kurdistan. Jordan Wilhelm Chris Stotts MEET THE CORE TEAM Anne Teppel Neil Singh Shakib Noori Ethiana Hacsh Mariya Chukhnova Alexandria Alamprese Keily Yemm PUBLICATIONS Contaminated Trust: Public Health Disinformation and its Societal Impacts in Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine Iraq 5th International CBRN Safety and Security Conference (#CBRNIraq2020) Magazine TCM Blog UPDATES & NEWS Deliberate Destruction of Ukrainian Scientific Infrastructure by Russia: The Urgency of Its Protection and Restoration The Critical Mass (TCM) and The Institute of General Energy of the NAS of Ukraine Sign Agreement #TCMPress TCM Welcomes Shakib Noori as Program Operations Manager #TCMTeamNews TCM Thoughts on Ukrainian Science and Innovation - Challenges in Days of War #TCMGovConInsights

We are agile by design – leveraging our compliant, flexible infrastructure to rapidly plan, source, and manage teams to support partner-focused security capacity-building programs. Jordan Wilhelm Chris Stotts MEET THE CORE TEAM Anne Teppel Shakib Noori Neil Singh Ethiana Hacsh Mariya Chukhnova Alexandria Alamprese Keily Yemm ABOUT TCM The Critical Mass (TCM), LLC is a fast-growing, Service-Disabled Veteran Small Business (SDVOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned (EDWOSB) based in Alexandria, Virginia. We support a number of important initiatives with the US Department of State and other international partners. Key recent projects include identifying and mitigating Russian disinformation in Georgia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan; dual-use goods and border security projects in Iraq and Panama; WMD crime scene and evidence investigation in Morocco; and aviation security and chemical response initiatives in Kurdistan. We enable clients to demonstrate responsiveness, commitment, and innovation to international counterparts while achieving tangible and enduring progress toward objectives. PUBLICATIONS Contaminated Trust: Public Health Disinformation and its Societal Impacts in Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine Iraq 5th International CBRN Safety and Security Conference (#CBRNIraq2020) Magazine TCM Blog UPDATES & NEWS Deliberate Destruction of Ukrainian Scientific Infrastructure by Russia: The Urgency of Its Protection and Restoration Jan 18, 2024 The Critical Mass (TCM) and The Institute of General Energy of the NAS of Ukraine Sign Agreement #TCMPress May 22, 2023 TCM Welcomes Shakib Noori as Program Operations Manager #TCMTeamNews May 21, 2023 TCM Thoughts on Ukrainian Science and Innovation - Challenges in Days of War #TCMGovConInsights May 17, 2023

TCM is excited to share information on strategic partners to support client and sponsor global security and development objectives. Strategic Partners The Critical Mass LLC (TCM) is proud to establish strategic partnerhips with industry's leading organizations. Partner with TCM Joint Venture - TCM-KIS TCM-Kira Integrated Services LLC The Critical Mass LLC (TCM) is proud to partner with the Tlingit Haida Business Corporation (THTBC) to create a Joint Venture in order to support our client's global security and development needs. Learn More

TCM shares what we are reading and welcomes submissions from others Learn With TCM CBRNE Non-Proliferation Security WPS “Biodefense Posture Review 2023” The first of its kind, the Biodefense Posture Review is a Department of Defense project to catalog, organize and build on disparate biodefense projects aimed at protecting the United States of America from not only naturally developing diseases like Covid-19, but also from a complex array of other biological threats. Read More “Black Swans and Pink Flamingoes: Five Principles for Force Design” Over generations of American military planning, Frank Hoffman assesses that the record of foreseeing the location, nature and requirements of the next war have been dismal. As a result, he suggests, American planning techniques must fundamentally change to account for incorrect prediction and leave open to the United States a range of flexible avenues and responses to meet the needs of tomorrow’s crisis. Read More “Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin” Eastern and Central Europe’s political, social, economic and security ecosystem remains tinged with the blood spilled on its soil by the tyrants of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Dr. Timothy Snyder’s analysis of the contexts, actions, and interactions of the two powers unveils the exponential violence inflicted on the countries and people of the region, leaving curses and scars that yet remain crucial to an understanding of Europe. Read More “Bridging the Gap: Integrating the Women, Peace and Security Agenda into the 1540 Regime” Partnered with Mexico’s Mission to the United Nations, the Norwegian Mission to the United Nations produced recommendations for WPS standard implementation consultations, to increase the involvement of women at these consultations Read More “Gender Balance in the Nuclear Sector” The OECD’s Nuclear Energy Agency published its first overview of gender imbalances and issues affecting women in the field of nuclear energy and nonproliferation in 2023. This report focuses on qualitative and statistical analyses. Read More “Handbook of Toxicology of Chemical Warfare Agents” A handbook on the forefront of the various chemicals that have been developed in the past century with uses in conflicts, war, and terrorism. Providing information on their developmental histories and effects, and the handbook provides tools and steps for detection, prevention, treatment, and best practice countermeasures. Read More “Hinge Points: An Inside Look at North Korea’s Nuclear Program” The North Korean nuclear program remains one of the worst failures of the nonproliferation regime till date. Despite strict protection of nuclear assets, fissile materiel and expertise, the 2005 nuclearization of the Korean peninsula owes its existence to glaring failures in the nonproliferation and materials security regime. Dr. Hecker’s overview of how the DPRK acquired its nuclear weapons serves as not only an indicator of holes in the nonproliferation system, but also in the failures of policy that led to it in the first place. Read More “The Effects of Nuclear Weapons” The quintessential manual on the effects of nuclear weapons, Glasstone and Dolan’s textbook describes the immediate effects of a nuclear detonation, providing valuable insight into proactive planning, treatment, rapid response protocols, protective measures and diagnoses. Read More “Why COVID probably hasn’t helped bioterrorists, despite fears” Whether it be the doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo or radical environmentalist group RISE, terror groups have historically attempted to deploy biological weapons against populations. Despite the grave difficulties of such an operation, has the environment of the Covid-19 pandemic made risks of another group successfully deploying enhanced pathogens for terror purposes? Though still unlikely, the pandemic has renewed fears of biological weapons of terror, and an interest in countering them. Read More “Women in Relief and Recovery: Putting Good Policies into Action” “Disasters are discriminatory”, points out Master Valerie Amos in her article for the US National Defense University’s Women on the Frontlines of Peace and Security . Master Amos leverages her lifetime of experience working to prevent and alleviate humanitarian disasters to bring light to the importance of focusing on a gendered lens of humanitarian data collection and disaster response, due to the often-unseen needs of women and girls in aid and response situations. Her recommendations provide concrete guidelines for aid organizations involved in development and disaster response, and for the leadership of countries sponsoring and funding these organizations. Read More “Wrestling with imponderables: assessing perceptions of biological-weapons utility” How have state level actors developed their perception of biological weapons and their use? And how does that affect development and use by sub state actors? Dr. Glenn Cross’ analysis of the case studies and developmental paths taken over the past century in bioweapons development and state diplomacy over it reveals the background in which the bioterrorists of tomorrow operate. Read More  "The First Political Order: How Sex Shapes Governance and National Security Worldwide" Women are involved with every single human endeavor, from Governance to business to radiological studies to weapons development, but they are not always recognized as such. Dr. Hudson's book describes the near universal and systematic subordination and alienation of women in institutions across the world, and the subsequent implications for security, governance and development. By providing this paradigm of analysis, Hudson's book brings new perspectives to every issue, and outlines the need for women inclusive institutions in every field. Read More Add to Our List - What Should We Read? First name Last name Email Book or Article Title Theme Submission Date Book or Article Link Author/Organiztion Tell TCM More About This Publication Submit Thank you! We'll review and be in touch

Anne Teppel serves as Director of Compliance and Performance at The Critical Mass, bringing over 15 years of multidisciplinary experience from both governmental and non-governmental organizations combining international law, military operations, policy making, organizational development, human resources, and management. Anne Teppel Title: Strategic Advisor Email: anne.teppel@thecriticalmass.com Anne Teppel serves as Strategic Advisor at The Critical Mass, bringing over 15 years of multidisciplinary experience from both governmental and non-governmental organizations combining international law, military operations, policy making, organizational development, human resources, and management. Prior to joining The Critical Mass Anne served as Head of Department (acting) at the Danish Ministry of Defense where she took part in shaping major policy initiatives while also contributing to the internal development of the ministry as an organization and of its leadership. Anne previously served as a military legal advisor to the Danish Armed Forces and did so for more than 7 years, starting at the Military Police and later moving on to the Danish Special Operations Command. In this role she served as an advisor to the senior levels of the Danish military, at home as well as on several multinational deployments to Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa. She proudly continues to serve the Danish Special Operations Command as a reserve officer. Anne started her career specializing in refugee and human rights law working with the Danish immigration authorities and later the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Anne holds a Bachelor of Laws from Copenhagen University and a Master of Laws from Hong Kong University and Copenhagen University. She recently completed her Executive Certificate in Organization Development and Change Leadership at Georgetown University. In addition to Danish, Anne speaks fluent professional English and has a working knowledge of Norwegian, Swedish, and German.

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