US Cyber Strategy of Persistent Engagement & Defend Forward

Implications for the Alliance and Intelligence Collection

Author(s): Max Smeets
Journal Title: Intelligence and National Security
Publisher(s): Taylor & Francis Group
Publication Year: 2020

This article evaluates the implications of the US’ cyber strategy of persistent engagement for its allies and their intelligence collection. While this strategy may benefit certain alliance relationships, Max Smeets also identifies four potential negative consequences: loss of allied trust, disruption of allied intelligence operations, exploitability of this strategy by adversaries, and the implementation of persistent engagement by other countries. This paper concludes by suggesting ways forward, including the potential creation of a new NATO-memorandum of understanding on cyber operations.

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