Weaponizing Values: Reimagining U.S. Cyber Strategy
Abstract
In a strategic environment of gray zone conflict, the current USCYBERCOM Strategy advantages Washington's values agnostic adversaries, China and Russia. America has a unique set of values which differentiate it from its authoritarian competitors in Great Power Competition. U.S. values are a source of strength that promote trust and confidence for allies. Yet, the U.S. does not play to this strength by opting for an action-oriented, aggressive strategy; the current Defend Forward approach puts it at odds with some global cyber norms and cedes the moral high ground to autocratic competitors who exploit the gray zone. These same adversaries subvert norms and advocate for a closed, controlled internet order, but Washington's current cyber strategy fails to effectively challenge their influence by providing a viable way to maintain an open, interconnected cyberspace. This paper reimagines cyber strategy development. It focuses first on the values at stake and the ethical considerations inherent in cyber competition and then explores the optimal way to protect the American way of life in cyberspace. After establishing an understanding of who and what America is defending online and acknowledging adversary advantages in gray zone conflict, the author presents an analytical framework for cyber strategy based on norms-alignment and a strategic emphasis on either offense versus defense. Using scenario forecasting, this paper advocates a defense-oriented, norms-aligned cyber strategy that favors teamwork with allies, is commercially viable, economically sustainable, and achieves U.S. aims without conceding American values. This new approach deciding the values at stake, before deciding how to compete ensures the U.S. does not lose who it is as a nation as America adapts to modern threats.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 26, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1179594
Entities
People
- Emille Prosko
Organizations
- Naval War College