The Cipher Brief

The Cipher Brief HONORS dinner on Friday, April 18 in Washington D.C. is honoring six exceptional leaders in national security. The Cipher Brief HONORS Dinner recognizes their commitment and contributions to U.S. national security across a range of areas including government, the private sector, cyber and tech, investment, journalism and entertainment. Join us as we honor: Commander of USSOCOM General Bryan P. Fenton for his Impact in the Battlespace Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Vice Admiral Frank “Trey” Whitworth for his Impact through Government Innovation Former Director of Cybersecurity for the National Security Agency Rob Joyce for his Impact through Cyber (now an Advisor at OpenAI) Former CEO & President of IQT (In-Q-Tel) Christopher Darby for his Impact through Investment (now at Cerberus Capital Management) ABC News Anchor and Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz for her Impact through Journalism And Hollywood Executive Producer and co-writer of the movies War Games and Sneakers, Walter Parkes for his Impact through Storytelling, prompting us to imagine the unimaginable through entertainment (now leading Dreamscape Learn) Presenters this year include: General David H. Petraeus, US Army (Ret.) Paul M. Nakasone Michele Flournoy WestExec Advisors It takes a strong community of dedicated professionals to ensure national security. This dinner recognizes the strength of that community. Join us. https://lnkd.in/eiEc_Wjw

We have a NEW episode of the #CoverStoriesPodcast out now. Admiral Jim Stavridis isn’t just a prolific writer – having written a number of both fiction and non-fiction books since retiring from the military where he served as former Supreme Allied Commander, Europe at NATO – he’s also an avid reader. Check it out here:

Admiral James Stavridis, a Cipher Brief Expert who served as Supreme Allied Commander at NATO, offers 25 books that helped him learn the lessons of leadership and life in his latest book, The Admiral's Bookshelf. James Lawler, a former CIA case officer, writes in his review of the book, "Not only does [Adm. Stavridis] distill these classics down to their essence, but he also notes how he used these guide paths in his own storied career, and how occasionally he stumbled, strayed or ignored their guidance to his detriment. It was this candor and humility which sold these literary recommendations to me as worthy additions to my own library." #TheCipherBrief Read the full review here:

Experts argue that the benefits of global cyber defense programs far outweigh the costs. Check out 'How Trump’s Foreign Aid Freeze Could Set Back U.S. Cybersecurity' now. #TheCipherBrief

Investing in future national security is critical and no one knows this space, or has led in it for as long as former IQT (In-Q-Tel) CEO Christopher Darby, who is now applying his talent and experience at Cerberus Capital Management. ? We're honored to be recognizing Chris with the 'Impact through Investment in National Security Award' at this year's ceremony. ? Get your tuxedo ready and join The Cipher Brief on Friday, April 18 in Washington D.C. as we honor the best of the best in national security.? Will you be in the room?? #TheCipherBrief https://lnkd.in/dRVwGebG

Amid Tensions w/ #China, #Philippines Worries About the U.S. - Former top Philippine commander looks at China's encroachment - and level of U.S. commitment - The Cipher Brief: As the world trains its focus on the headlines about Ukraine —?the U.S. pivot to Russia, the pause on American support to Ukraine, the U.S.-Ukraine ceasefire proposal, and?Russia’s next move?– tensions in hotspots elsewhere have continued to simmer. This is especially true in the South China Sea. The early weeks of 2025 have seen a rise in harsh rhetoric and confrontation in the area, specifically between China and the Philippines. In February, a Chinese navy helicopter?flew within 10 feet?of a Philippine patrol plane over the contested Scarborough Shoal, in an attempt to force the Philippine aircraft out of China-claimed airspace. The same month, China claimed it had successfully driven away three Philippine planes “illegally” flying over disputed Spratly Islands. China, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei & Taiwan all hold territorial claims in?the South China Sea. The strategic waterway is highly coveted —?a significant amount of global maritime trade passes through it, and these waters and their seabed are rich in natural resources, from fisheries to oil & gas reserves. Beyond the strategic issues in play, there are questions of principle; five of those claimants believe China is encroaching on their territorial waters.? In the recent encounters with China, the Philippines’ allies have been brought into the fray.?Philippine & U.S. forces conducted?joint patrols?in the area in early February, prompting Beijing to issue a warning & conduct its own patrols in response. In March, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited the Philippines to reiterate Britain and the Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based international order. China warned that he was “provoking tensions.” The Cipher Brief?spoke with retired Rear Admiral Rommel Jude Ong, who served as Vice Commander of the Philippine Navy and is now a professor at the Ateneo School of Government in Manila, to assess the current situation. “The problem we have is that China has escalation dominance over the Philippines, driven by disparity or asymmetry in capabilities and, of course, their superiority in numbers,” Rear Admiral Ong said. He added that any support from allies has limited effect, given the fleeting nature of their presence. “Even if our allies and partners are coming to the Philippines, they visit but they leave,” Rear Admiral Ong said. “They’re there for some period of time, but it’s not a sustained presence.” He also acknowledged concerns about the strength of the American commitment, as the Trump Administration calls multiple longstanding relationships into question. Rear Admiral Ong spoke with?Cipher Brief?Editor/Writer Ethan Masucol. Their conversation has been edited for length and clarity. https://lnkd.in/exG2yK_6

?? Congratulations to Chris Darby! ?? A well-deserved recognition for Chris Darby, former CEO of IQT (In-Q-Tel), who was honored with the The Cipher Brief's "Impact through Investment in National Security" Award at this year’s ceremony! Chris has been an inspiration to everyone investing in national security, driving innovation and impact at the intersection of technology and defense. His leadership has helped shape the future of national security investments, and this recognition is a testament to his lasting contributions. ???? Congratulations, Chris! Your work continues to inspire and set the standard for the industry. #NationalSecurity #Leadership #Innovation #Investment #Cybersecurity #DefenseTech

Is the U.S. military too risk-averse to keep up with its main adversaries? The Cipher Brief put this question to Colonel Max Bremer and Kelly Grieco. Check out 'Reimagining the Way the U.S. Prepares for Future Wars' now. #TheCipherBrief #drones #innovation #defense

The Cipher Brief is honored to present this year’s Impact in the Battlespace Award to General Bryan P. Fenton, Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command. For those with a deep understanding of today’s national security environment, you already know that rapid advances in technology and a convergence of cooperation among U.S. adversaries has complicated the national and global security space to an unprecedented level.?At the tip of the spear in navigating this new reality, is the U.S. Special Operations Community. Please join us on Friday, April 18 as we honor General Fenton at The Cipher Brief HONORS Dinner in Washington D.C. It takes a community. The Cipher Brief HONORS Award Dinner is the only D.C. dinner focused on recognizing the contributions of a range of outstanding professionals across the U.S. national security community.?You can find the full list of this year’s honorees at https://lnkd.in/eiEc_Wjw If you are actively working or supporting U.S. national security, you need to be in the room. We look forward to welcoming you to this extraordinary evening! General David H. Petraeus, US Army (Ret.) Paul M. Nakasone Rob Joyce Brad Christian

This is SUCH an exciting week at The Cipher Brief as we open the envelopes announcing this year's Cipher Brief HONORS Dinner awardees... ? For those of you who know or have worked with ABC News co-anchor and Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz, you already know how her years of professionalism in journalism have given so many readers and viewers a non-biased view of what's happening in the world.? ? Martha is respected not only by her fellow colleagues but also by those who find themselves sitting across from her in the interviewee chair. Her reputation for being tough but fair is well known whether reporting from the Pentagon, a war zone, or sitting in the anchor chair in New York.? ? We hope you can join us on Friday, April 18 in Washington D.C. as we celebrate Martha and her fellow honorees who have made such an impact for the national security community.? https://lnkd.in/dRVwGebG