About

I'm Carl Peterson — a defense tech operator, analyst, and attorney working at the intersection of autonomous systems, national security, and international law.

My background spans defense technology, international diplomacy, and legal research. As Chief Operating Officer of DFA Systems, I work on attritable robotic systems and multi-platform autonomy software for U.S. military and allied special operations forces. Before that, I spent five years at the Charter Cities Institute engaging heads of state, ministers, and senior officials, primarily across Africa, Latin America, and the U.S. on urban governance, investment promotion, and special economic zone policy.

I write regularly on drone warfare, private military companies, and autonomous weapons for the publication Militant Wire, and have published peer-reviewed research on Chinese mercenaries and Honduras' special jurisdiction system. My work has been cited in international print and digital publications and I have appeared as an expert commentator on international television.

I hold a J.D. from the University of Washington, an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in China for three years.