Who conducts persistent engagement of adversaries to defend national interests at a level below armed conflict?

The Department of Defense, specifically through its cyber operations arm, USCYBERCOM, is responsible for conducting persistent engagement of adversaries to defend national interests at a level below armed conflict. This includes proactive measures to deter and disrupt potential threats from adversaries in cyberspace, aligning with national security strategies while avoiding escalation into full-scale conflicts.

Persistent engagement involves a continuous, strategic approach to cyber operations, emphasizing the importance of readiness and the ability to respond dynamically to emerging threats. USCYBERCOM operates within the framework of U.S. military operations, focusing on safeguarding critical systems and information from adversarial actions. This task is essential in the current landscape, where cyber threats can be a precursor to more serious geopolitical crises.

In contrast, the other agencies such as the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation primarily focus on law enforcement and legal aspects, tackling criminal activities rather than engaging in strategic military operations. The Department of State deals more with diplomatic relations and international affairs rather than direct cyber defense operations. Thus, USCYBERCOM is uniquely positioned to handle the complex and evolving challenges within cyber space, ensuring national security without escalating to armed conflict.