Wires of War

From the former Policy Advisor leading News Policy at Google, The Wires of War reveals the hidden cyberwar brewing between Western democracies and the autocracies of China and Russia—a high-stakes conflict that democracy could very well lose.

Reviews

“An analytical tour de force on the rapidly increasing challenge of techno-authoritarian nations to our national security, our economy, and our democracy. The US and its allies are taking steps to address the threat but as Helberg’s analysis makes clear, we have to defend our security and values with urgency, determination, and strategic clarity for as long as it takes.” —President Bill Clinton, 42nd President of the United States

“A prescient analysis of China’s technological ambitions to export its political influence and erode democracy around the world. If you’re interested in how technology is reshaping international politics, this book is a must read.” —Ro Khanna, United States Congressman

“Important and urgent." —Cory Booker, United States Senator

“A very strong comprehensive picture of the US-China technological rivalry and a rare blend of foreign policy and technology expertise. Those passionate about the future of US security and the free world should carefully consider the author’s argument.” —Michael McCaul, United States Congressman

“A chilling study of how 'techno-totalitarian' regimes are seeking to control the hardware and software of the internet . . . This is an informative and often harrowing wake-up call.” —Publishers Weekly

“Unnervingly convincing evidence that time is running out in the 'gray war' with the enemies of freedom.” —Kirkus Reviews

"The battle for the future is being waged at the intersection of technology and geopolitics. That is where Jacob Helberg lives. He is a rare bird: a Silicon Valley veteran with a deep understanding of world politics and the struggle between the liberal democratic world and the rising forces of authoritarianism. In graceful and entertaining prose, Helberg paints a vivid and at times frightening picture, but not without hope that free societies will rise to the occasion. Those looking for a guide to the dangers and opportunities of this brave new world need look no further." —Robert Kagan, author of The Jungle Grows Back

“Wires of War is a bracing book about an urgent problem—the rise of an authoritarian techno-bloc that is trying to roll back the frontiers of digital freedom. Jacob Helberg explains the interplay of technology and geopolitics in sharp, lucid prose. This book should be required reading for anyone seeking to understand one of the defining challenges of our time.” —Hal Brands, author of The Twilight Struggle: What the Cold War Can Teach Us About Great-Power Rivalry Today