Much as securing vital points at sea helped maintain U.S. economic preeminence historically, choosing and focusing on electronic strategic points of convergence could cement American influence in the cyber world. Washington cannot dictate global economic policy but it can sway it. Reliance on soft power more than hard power will reduce the direct military role while elevating strategies of mutual interest and cooperation with other players. Seven strategic points are especially vital, and with emphasis on partnership with private enterprise, purposeful fiscal policy, and targeted research and development in pursuit of them, Washington can avoid ham-fisted protectionist behavior aimed at preserving the status quo and come out ahead economically and politically, simultaneously reaping the benefits of security and expansion |