State sponsored cyber threats are the most significant security challenge currently confronting the United States. A grand strategy of retaking the offensive should be adopted by the United States to address these threats. This strategy would prevent state actors from the licentious use of the cyber domain to achieve international policy and military objectives. The international relations theory of liberalism apprises the grand strategy of retaking the offensive through emphasizing cooperation between state actors for mutual benefit. Elements of the “Nixon Doctrine” initiative of détente provide a historical precedent for the proposed retaking the offensive strategy. The international relations theory of realism exposes the risks …show more content…
Détente is defined as, “the relaxation of strained relations or tensions.” The “Nixon Doctrine” initiative of détente sought to, “… engage the Soviet Union and China in a dialogue that would transform their relationship with the United States from one of competition and open distrust to one of limited cooperation and muted conflict.” The policy initiative contributed to the signing of Strategic Arms Limitation Talks arms control agreements between the United States and the Soviet Union. This policy initiative also, “…reduced the level of tension between the United States and the Soviet Union.” The policy initiative of détente was a transition from a realist perspective towards China and Russia to a more inclusive liberalization approach based on limited cooperation on important international issues. This initiative led to arms control agreements regarding nuclear weapons that addressed the nuclear arms race between the United States and Russia. This precedent is analogous to the current international environment related to cyber threats by state actors. Now that Russia, China, and other nations have advanced their cyber capabilities to be on par with the United States, all parties are interested in establishing cyber standards and preventing a cyber-arms race. Most nations realize that cyber threats by state actors are currently operating under a realism approach that is a major risk to any liberalism approach to address cyber