The number of cyberattacks continue to grow around the world. In recent years in particular, malicious online actors have started exploiting SNS platforms to manipulate public opinion, while they continue to seek out confidential information held by the government and private enterprises. Addressing these online attacks through political or legal avenues poses significant challenges, making it crucial to identify and explore novel solutions.

This program uses table top exercises (TTX), a scenario-based simulated exercise method enabling the identification of issues in an emergency through decision-making processes, to highlight issues in dealing with grey zone threats such as cyberattacks, and prepares recommendations to inform policy creation. More specifically, the foundation works with the U.S. Heritage Foundation to jointly carry out TTX focusing on cyberattacks targeting Taiwan to help inform Japan’s decision-making processes for security policies, legal constraints, and potential challenges pertaining to Japan - U.S. joint action. The findings from these exercises will be compiled into policy recommendations aiming to bolster Japan’s security capabilities.

Bonji Ohara