#United States #Washington #Middle East #Network Contagion #Johnnie Moore

NCRI Strengthens National Security Focus with New Appointment

On May 20, 2026, the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) announced the significant appointment of Johnnie Moore as their Senior Advisor on Middle East Affairs and Associate Director. This strategic addition is poised to bolster NCRI's efforts in addressing the challenges posed by evolving information warfare, foreign influence, and increasing domestic instability.

Johnnie Moore's extensive background uniquely positions him for this role. With a distinguished track record spanning various sectors, he has provided counsel to senior leaders within the U.S. government, interacted directly with Congress, and collaborated with global partners on critical issues ranging from religious freedom to geopolitical risks. Moore's academic tenure at Pepperdine University further enhances his profile, offering a deep research foundation which blends faith, policy, and international relations.

As NCRI expands its research agenda, Moore’s appointment marks a pivotal phase towards enhancing national security frameworks, particularly in understanding and navigating the blurred lines between information influence and real-world repercussions. "Johnnie is not joining us as a commentator. He is joining us as a builder," remarked NCRI Board Member Loree Sutton, a former Brigadier General, emphasizing the necessity for innovative thinking in the current geopolitical climate.

A Vision for Influence and Engagement

Moore's prior experience includes serving two terms on the U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom, where his involvement in high-level policy discussions has provided insights into international humanitarian issues and strategic communications. His engagement in academia, particularly with Middle East studies students at Pepperdine, will now serve to enrich NCRI's research initiatives.

With his unique skills, Moore will tackle critical challenges facing U.S. national security, focusing specifically on counteracting influence operations that originate from Middle Eastern networks. His upcoming contributions will involve:

• - Unraveling Influence Operations: Identifying and exposing coordinated efforts aimed at undermining U.S. interests.
• - Enhancing Intelligence Methods: Utilizing advanced techniques to detect and disrupt networked threats in real time.
• - Building Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with policymakers, researchers, and civil society leaders to fortify NCRI's mission.
• - Driving Actionable Insights: Delivering timely, implementable insights amid the evolving landscape characterized by rapid technological advancements and societal changes.

A Call to Action

In his first comments as Senior Advisor, Moore acknowledged the urgent need for action: "Across the world, we are seeing coordinated efforts to manipulate perception, destabilize institutions, and exploit open societies. NCRI has been at the forefront of identifying these threats with clarity and rigor. I'm honored to collaborate with this world-class team of researchers and scholars to help expand its impact during one of the most consequential moments in history."

Moore's deep-rooted experience working with diverse stakeholders—matched by a commitment to fostering collaboration across ideological divides—will be crucial in addressing the multifaceted challenges that NCRI aims to confront. His focus on faith-based networks and civil society interactions highlights an important dimension of influence in contemporary information environments.

As NCRI continues to evolve, the addition of Moore underscores a broader commitment to assembling a leadership entity capable of tackling the intricate hybrid threats that intersect technology, psychology, and geopolitics.

About NCRI

The Network Contagion Research Institute is a forefront applied research organization specializing in identifying and forecasting cyber-social threats, including coordinated influence operations aimed at undermining U.S. national security. Their work has significantly impacted policymakers and civil society leaders, providing key insights into the fabric of contemporary digital information streams.

For further information on the NCRI and its initiatives, visit their official website or contact their media relations team.