The Strategic Future of Subsea Cables: A Guidebook for the Next Two Administrations

A strategy playbook for securing the world’s most critical network infrastructure

Subsea fiber-optic cables are the world’s primary conduit for data, carrying 99 percent of data internationally, making them essential to the modern digital world and indispensable to both national and economic security. 

These global subsea cable networks are subject to cross-cutting threats and obstacles, including accidental cuts by fishing and other commercial vessels and natural disasters, as well as permitting and regulatory issues that slow or halt the laying of new cable or repair of damaged cable. Given the ever-increasing dependency on this infrastructure, subsea cables are also a potential theater for geostrategic competition.

Amid the AI revolution, demographic shifts, rising digital connectivity, and intensifying geopolitical tensions, disruptions to these networks and high regulatory barriers carry far greater economic and security consequences than ever before, making cable redundancy, resiliency, and repair critical policy priorities.

This CSIS research project assesses the threats and challenges to maintaining a secure and resilient subsea cable network; identifies the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, including the U.S. government, international partners and allies, multilateral financing agencies, and the private sector; and provides a set of actionable recommendations to enhance the resilience of subsea cable infrastructure across the globe. 

Based on in-depth research in the United States; field visits to Japan, Singapore, Egypt, and Ireland; private expert roundtable discussions; and dozens of interviews in the U.S. and abroad, CSIS produced four targeted case studies and a final policy report and disseminated its findings through public events and congressional briefings, with the ultimate goal of informing a comprehensive global strategy to better secure this critical infrastructure.

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Photo: ZU_09/Getty Images

Photo: ZU_09/Getty Images

Redundancy, Resiliency, and Repair: Securing Subsea Cable Infrastructure

As digital dependency grows worldwide, the United States, its partners, and the private sector must ensure a resilient global subsea cable system. This report provides a roadmap to overcome vulnerabilities and regulatory challenges in the sector.

Report by Erin L. Murphy — November 21, 2025

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Photo: ZU_09/Getty Images

Securing Subsea Cable Infrastructure

As digital dependency grows worldwide, the United States, its partners, and the private sector must ensure a resilient global subsea cable system. This report provides a roadmap to overcome vulnerabilities and regulatory challenges in the sector.

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The Strategic Future of Subsea Cables: Egypt Case Study

The concentration of subsea cables funneled through the narrow Red Sea cements Egypt’s status as a global hub and chokepoint. Strategic and economic choices to enhance commercial appeal can secure Egypt’s continued position as a digital gateway between continents. 

Report by Erin L. Murphy and Thomas Bryja — November 12, 2025

The Strategic Future of Subsea Cables: Singapore Case Study

Singapore’s location, pro-business regulations, and forward-planning have made it a global hub to be emulated for data movement and subsea cables; however, its limited space constrains future prospects in an increasingly tense geopolitical region, demanding key next steps.

Report by Erin L. Murphy and Thomas Bryja — September 24, 2025

The Strategic Future of Subsea Cables: Japan Case Study

Japan, an island nation dependent on subsea cables and a nexus for Asia-North America communications, faces many risks amid regulatory slog and geopolitical tensions. It must leverage its industry leadership and global partnerships to secure this critical infrastructure.

Report by Erin L. Murphy and Thomas Bryja — August 26, 2025

The Strategic Future of Subsea Cables: Ireland Case Study

As Ireland finds its strategic position no longer shielded from evolving geopolitical forces, this paper analyzes Ireland's subsea cable infrastructure— a lynchpin and chokepoint in worldwide connectivity— for key risks and presents recommendations for greater resilience.

Report by Romina Bandura and Thomas Bryja — July 23, 2025

Securing the Subsea Network: A Primer for Policymakers

Subsea cables are the world’s information super-highways. This guide for policymakers describes how these essential systems work and offers recommendations for advancing U.S. economic and strategic interests.

Report by Jonathan E. Hillman — March 9, 2021