A Playbook for Winning the Cyber War: Part 1: Executive Summary

Photo: CSIS

Photo: CSIS

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The United States has been losing a war it did not know it was fighting, and it has been losing for the last 20 years. Russia and China have fully integrated cyber tools into their larger foreign policy tool kits, and Iran is a growing cyber powerhouse. Meanwhile, the United States has built a powerful offense but has dangerously neglected defense. To reverse this trend line and make full use of its strengths, the United States needs to evolve and integrate cyber tools as a larger part of national security.

This report provides a playbook for how the United States can fight better and win in the cyber domain. It identifies strategic gaps, where U.S. adversaries far outstrip Washington’s will and capabilities, and illuminates key moments from a series of wargames. Finally, it proposes bold but implementable solutions to help the United States and its allies fight better in the cyber domain.

This report is made possible by project support from the Smith Richardson Foundation.

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Defense and Security, Cybersecurity, and Technology
Emily Harding

Emily Harding

Vice President, Defense and Security Department; Director, Intelligence, National Security, and Technology Program
Julia Dickson

Julia Dickson

Associate Fellow, Intelligence, National Security, and Technology Program
Aosheng Pusztaszeri

Aosheng Pusztaszeri

Research Associate, Intelligence, National Security, and Technology Program

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