What happens when the very openness that defines American democracy becomes our greatest cybersecurity vulnerability? Anne Neuberger, former Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology, delivers a sobering assessment: "China is winning the cyber war."
But this episode isn't just about technological competition. Neuberger's journey into public service, shaped by her family's experience as Holocaust survivors and guided by the principle that "you owe something to your country," illustrates how personal values drive national security policy. She shares why democracy, despite its vulnerabilities, possesses unique strengths in the cyber domain—particularly America's technological leadership and innovative capacity.
In this transformative conversation, Neuberger takes us inside the high-stakes world of digital warfare, where authoritarian advantages meet democratic disadvantages. Drawing from her two decades of experience at the National Security Agency and the highest levels of government, she explains how “China's Great Firewall” functions as both sensor and shield—giving them cybersecurity capabilities that democratic nations struggle to match.
From digital twins that could revolutionize cybersecurity testing to the complex partnerships between the government and private sector, Neuberger breaks down the critical decisions and strategic thinking required to navigate the gray areas where technology, policy, and national security intersect.
This conversation is essential listening for those interested in Making Sense of the World and understanding how America can defend itself in an era where cyber threats pose existential risks to our country and way of life.
