National Intelligence Council

The article emphasizes the need for the US to counter gray zone activities—coercive and subversive actions below armed conflict—by developing offensive and defensive strategies. It highlights the importance of a whole-of-government approach, expertise in adversary behavior, and deniability to avoid escalation. The White House has taken a step forward by appointing a National Security Council Director for Cognitive Advantage, but further integration of tools like cyber operations, economic pressures, and information campaigns is required.

Election officials warn that President Donald Trump's claims about unsafe voting machines are more dangerous than the documented vulnerabilities, as there is no evidence of successful exploitation in elections. Experts emphasize that while flaws exist, public trust in the system is critical, and unfounded rhetoric could undermine confidence in election outcomes.

President Trump claimed foreign actors, particularly China, are undermining U.S. elections and accused the 'deep state' of concealing evidence. However, declassified documents he released contradict his assertions, with the intelligence community stating China considered but did not deploy influence efforts in the 2020 election.

President Donald Trump claimed the Chinese government accessed 220 million U.S. voter records, calling it the 'largest compromise of election data in history.' The White House released declassified reports showing Beijing obtained voter registration data from 18 states, including names, birth dates, and party affiliations, though intelligence agencies had already known about these activities. A 2021 intelligence report noted China's information-gathering efforts but found no interference with election infrastructure.

President Donald Trump called for an FBI investigation into Michigan election claims, alleging foreign interference and fraudulent voter registration forms. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Governor Gretchen Whitmer rejected these claims, asserting election security. Federal reports stated no foreign interference in the 2020 elections.

Japan's parliament passed a law to create the National Intelligence Council, centralizing intelligence gathering to address overseas threats. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a security hawk, aims to strengthen intelligence and counter-espionage capabilities, despite concerns over civil liberties.

An opinion piece argues that the U.S. should prioritize removing adversaries from Cuba and shifting U.S.-Cuban relations from gray zone operations toward positive diplomatic engagement. The article traces the history of U.S.-Cuban relations since 1959, examining how Cuba has served as a proxy location for adversaries to spy on the U.S. and how different presidential administrations have employed varying approaches to sanctions and diplomacy.