Few aspects of modern life are left unchanged as a result of emerging technologies, and the disciplines of emergency management and homeland security are no different. Preparing for and responding to disasters, protecting life and property, and securing modern flows of people and finance, all increasingly rely on an understanding of emerging technologies. The computerization of infrastructure systems, the rapid spread of information (and mis- or dis- information) through social media, the increasing role of algorithms and artificial intelligence in societal and organizational decision-making, and newly available communication and transportation technologies all contribute to the sense that the world is changing as quickly as it ever has. Professionals in emergency management and homeland security (and the many related disciplines including national security, business continuity, and risk management) will increasingly be expected to understand the technologies that underlie modern society, both to know how their disruption might create cascading impacts, but also to ensure that their work is done in ways that are fair, transparent, equitable, efficient, and democratically accountable.