EPISODE · Jan 4, 2026 · 11 MIN
CFIUS: Thinking Creatively About National Security
from Insider: Short of War · host Irregular Warfare Initiative
In this episode, we explore how the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) operates at the intersection of economics and national security. From solar farms and hotels to dating apps and food supply chains, the discussion examines how foreign ownership of U.S. assets can create strategic vulnerabilities. Drawing on real-world cases involving China, critical infrastructure, and sensitive data, this podcast explains how CFIUS has evolved into a powerful—and often opaque—tool of economic statecraft in an era of great-power competition.
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What this episode covers
This podcast examines the expanding role of CFIUS in safeguarding U.S. national security against foreign investment risks. It traces the committee’s evolution from a little-known review body into a central instrument of economic warfare following FIRRMA, COVID-era reforms, and rising tensions with China. Through case studies involving energy infrastructure, agriculture, real estate, and digital platforms, the episode highlights how national security now manifests through data access, geographic proximity, and control of critical industries. The discussion concludes by assessing the strategic benefits and trade-offs of CFIUS’s secrecy, enforcement power, and growing influence in global competition.
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CFIUS: Thinking Creatively About National Security
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