Is the U.S. Prepared for Russian Cyberweapon and Nuclear Threats?

What’s the story?

• Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his country had produced an "invincible" nuclear weapon designed to evade American missile defense systems.

• At the same time, President Donald Trump’s nominee to run the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command, Lt. Gen. Paul Nakasone, said during a confirmation hearing that American cyberspace adversaries "don’t fear us."

• This was summarized in an article by the New York Times titled, "A Russian Threat on Two Fronts Meets an American Strategic Void."

Why does it matter?

• Nakason said plans were in place to strike back at Moscow for its election hacking, but those actions would require Trump’s approval.

• The general added that the Russians aren’t impressed. "I would say right now they do not think much will happen to them. They don’t fear us."

• As the Times explained, "The Russian muscle-flexing and the American hand-wringing captured a strategic vacuum that now envelops Washington as…Putin pursues what he views as a complementary new-generation nuclear arsenal, as well as cyberweapons."

What is the U.S. doing on the cyberweapon front?

• According to the Times, the U.S. "is still uncertain how to make use of its cyberweapons after spending billions of dollars to build an arsenal."

• At Gen. Nakasone’s confirmation hearing, Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE) said that given America’s impressive cyberarsenal, "the problem is not technical" but political: “We are not responding in any way that’s adequate to the challenge we face.”

• In recent weeks, intelligence officials have testified that the Trump administration isn’t doing enough to thwart future Russian election interference.

What about the nuclear sphere?

• "The Trump administration has yet to offer a strategy to contain or deter Russia beyond simply matching the weapons buildup," the Times wrote.

• Last month, the administration released a 2018 Nuclear Posture Review which called for a significant increase to the U.S. nuclear arsenal.

• Lisbeth Gronlund, a senior scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, told the Times that Putin’s announcement "further ratchets up what is clearly a new arms race, making the world a more dangerous place."

What do you think?

Is the Trump administration doing enough to combat Russian cyberweapon and nuclear threats? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

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—Josh Herman

Related Reading

• NSA Director Testifies Admin Isn't Doing Enough About Future Russian Election Interference

• States Make Moves To Protect Election Security Before Midterms

• Nuclear Arms Reduction Treaty Fulfilled As Administration Prepares For New Arms Race

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