Washington D.C. – – Former Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and Commander of U.S. Cyber Command, General Paul Nakasone (ret.), has warned of China’s growing influence and the need for strengthened international cybersecurity partnerships. His assessment comes as the United States prepares for midterm elections and revises its national cybersecurity strategy.
Nakasone, honored this year with the “Impact in Cyber” award at The Cipher Brief Honors Dinner, emphasized that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, requiring collaboration between governments, the private sector and citizens. “If you look at what’s going on in China, you must measure their capabilities in terms of military, economy, information, and diplomacy,” he said in a recent interview for The Cipher Brief’s State Secrets Podcast. “There’s been incredible growth in their economy, they have the largest navy in the world, and they’re extending their diplomatic influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road.”
Data from the World Bank shows China’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose from $114 billion in 1978 to nearly $18 trillion in 2023, making it the world’s second-largest economy. This economic expansion has been accompanied by substantial investment in military and technological capabilities, raising concerns about the global balance of power.
Nakasone stressed the importance of persistent engagement with adversaries, a strategy adopted following the 2016 U.S. Elections to prevent foreign interference. “We came to the realization that this is not an episodic event where we can just come and do our business and then leave. We must be engaged every single day,” he explained. He noted the strategy proved effective in securing the 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024 elections against threats from Iran, Russia, and China, but acknowledged the need for adaptation as adversaries evolve.
With U.S. Midterm elections approaching, Nakasone highlighted the need for cybersecurity awareness, focusing on protecting the electoral process from foreign influence. “As a private citizen, I’m very, very interested in what foreign adversaries might try to do to influence our election,” he stated. “That’s what the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Commander focused on outside of the United States. I want to make sure that there is no nation that can influence what goes on in our electoral processes.”
Now working in the private sector and as the founding director of Vanderbilt University’s Institute of National Security, Nakasone is focused on building the next generation of national security leaders and fostering a pragmatic approach to securing critical infrastructure. The Institute aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing education to students, faculty, and the public.
Nakasone cautioned against equating cyber deterrence with nuclear deterrence, but emphasized the need for proactive measures to secure the digital domain. He advocated for greater partnerships, new technologies, and a broader scope of engagement. He expressed optimism about the upcoming national cybersecurity strategy, hoping it will prioritize collaboration between government, the private sector, and citizens.
He also underscored the critical role of international alliances, praising the impact of alliances exemplified by the recent work of Sir Richard Moore, the former chief of MI6, who is also being honored at The Cipher Brief Honors Dinner. “We’re much better together than we are separately,” Nakasone said, recalling a recent discussion with Moore at Vanderbilt University. “What I’m always trying to emphasize in partnerships is that we can do things much better collectively than we can alone.”
Regarding China, Nakasone believes Beijing likely took note of the United States’ intelligence capabilities demonstrated before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in , and was likely surprised by Russia’s performance in the conflict. He also pointed out China’s continued support for Russia despite the ongoing war.
Nakasone anticipates that any future conflict with Taiwan could begin in the cyber and space domains, highlighting the importance of maintaining U.S. Competitive advantages in these areas. He acknowledged Russia’s continued strength in information operations, despite its shortcomings in other areas of cyber warfare.
Addressing the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), Nakasone warned against misconceptions about its capabilities. He emphasized the need for transparency, security, and a human component in AI systems, noting that AI requires chips, data, energy, and talent to be effective. He also cautioned against sacrificing explainability for speed and advantage, stressing the importance of maintaining control and understanding of AI systems.
Nakasone expressed optimism about the potential of AI to improve cybersecurity, discover new cures for diseases, and enhance education. He also highlighted the ingenuity of the U.S. Private sector and the need for government to focus on areas where it has a competitive advantage, relying on partnerships for other capabilities.
Finally, Nakasone emphasized the importance of maintaining a non-political stance for the military while defending the integrity of the U.S. Electoral system. He stressed the need for civil-military partnership and the importance of upholding the Constitution. He concluded by expressing optimism about the future, citing the talent and dedication of the next generation of national security professionals.
