AI Readiness in National Cybersecurity Strategies: A Cross-Country Comparative Study

Abstract

The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cybersecurity has reshaped national security strategies worldwide. This study investigates AI readiness in national cybersecurity strategies through a comparative analysis of three distinct governance models: the United States, China, and the European Union (represented by France). Using a systemic document review methodology, the research provides a comparative, cross-country analysis of AI readiness within national cybersecurity strategies. The results reveal three divergent strategic approaches to AI readiness: a public-private, market-driven ecosystem in the United States that fosters rapid innovation but can lead to fragmented national strategy; a top-down, state-led approach in China that enables rapid resource mobilisation and large-scale data collection at the potential cost of individual liberties; and a regulation-first framework in the European Union that prioritises ethical integrity and public trust. The analysis further found that a nation’s economic maturity and human capital are foundational to its capacity for AI readiness, regardless of its governance model. The discussion highlights a fundamental trade-off between the speed of innovation and ethical oversight, arguing that an effective national strategy must be holistic and adaptive, combining policy guidance with targeted investment in technology, talent, and international collaboration.