Defending Forward: The Determinants of Interpretation

• In Event: Determinants of National Defense

Abstract

As the 2018 National Cyber Security Strategy has indicated, the United States is making a commitment to "Defend Forward." However, like all good new terms and concepts announced in DoD circles, there is no clear articulation of what "forward" or the scope and boundaries for "defending" are. The outcome is a matter of interpretation. That matter of interpretation will come about through the continued negotiation for responsibility/control of cybersecurity that is balanced between U.S. espionage, military, and private sector components. Ultimately, I argue that the private sector will play a uniquely primary role in determining the practices and limitations that ultimately make up what forward defense might look like.

Author

• Nina A. Kollars, Naval War College