Defending Forward, Falling Behind? The Strategic Dilemma in U.S. Cybersecurity Policy

The United States stands at a pivotal moment in its approach to cybersecurity, confronting increasingly sophisticated cyber threats that target national security and critical infrastructure. This paper critically examines the vulnerabilities of U.S. cyber strategy by analyzing the historical evolution, strategic doctrines such as ‘Defend Forward’, and major incidents including the SolarWinds supply chain attack and the Colonial Pipeline ransomware breach. Drawing on expert opinion and recent policy documents – such as the 2023 National Cybersecurity Strategy – this study highlights achievements such as institutional reforms and offensive cyber capabilities, but most importantly, identifies persistent gaps in software supply chain security, infrastructure resilience, and cyber deterrence. This paper underscores the importance of regulatory innovation, workforce development, and global collaboration in shaping a resilient cyber posture. Ultimately, it argues that U.S. cyber strategy, while evolving, remains at a crossroads. This requires a balanced commitment to both defensive robustness and offensive agility to effectively navigate the complex and contested domain of cyberspace.