In this episode of "Building the Base," hosts Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts sit down with cybersecurity expert and entrepreneur Dmitri Alperovitch. Dmitri shares his journey from immigrating to the United States from Russia to co-founding CrowdStrike, a leading cybersecurity company. He discusses the insights from his new book, "World on the Brink," which addresses the geopolitical threats posed by China and strategies for the U.S. to maintain its global leadership. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the critical role of the private sector in national security, and the need for a robust and adaptable defense industrial base.

Key Takeaways

1. Cybersecurity and National Security Interconnection: Dmitri emphasizes the inseparable link between cybersecurity and national security

2. Immigrant Perspective on American Opportunity: Dmitri's immigrant journey underscores his appreciation for the opportunities in the U.S. 

3. Challenges with Dual-Use Technologies: complexities of developing technologies that serve both commercial and government sectors

4. Importance of Mass and Affordability in Defense: Dmitri critiques the current defense procurement strategy, advocating for more cost-effective and mass-produced solutions to ensure military readiness.

5. Role of the Private Sector in Cyber Defense: Highlighting CrowdStrike's success, Dmitri illustrates how private companies can significantly enhance national cyber defense capabilities.