Analysts across multiple fields are sounding the alarm that the United States is dangerously unprepared for modern-day disruptions to its infrastructure, with threats ranging from electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) and cyberattacks to the potential misuse of artificial intelligence (AI). The recent widespread blackouts in Spain and Portugal, initially speculated to be an EMP attack, have ignited renewed global concerns about the nation’s readiness for a ‘black sky’ event—events that could devastate critical systems and society.
Experts warn that the U.S. power grid is unprepared for next-generation threats, including electromagnetic pulses (EMPs), sophisticated cyberattacks, and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Recent power outages in Spain and Portugal have raised global concerns about the potential for large-scale disruptions, prompting calls for stronger national defense strategies.
The U.S. faces a complex threat landscape where both natural and man-made EMPs, advanced cyber operations, and the development of AI could all contribute to large-scale system failures. Cybersecurity expert Bryson Bort, a former Army Cyber Institute board member, highlighted that while EMPs are often discussed in national security conversations, the more pressing risks lie with cyber and AI threats, despite their lower probability. Bort emphasized that the U.S. remains exposed to a variety of threats, including the presence of Chinese cyber operations within American critical infrastructure.
Critical infrastructure, including hospital generators, water pumps, and cellphone towers, could be crippled in an EMP attack, which can disable electronic devices across vast areas. The threat of an EMP is not new; former CIA Director James Woolsey once called it one of the greatest national vulnerabilities. However, the Trump administration’s executive order on this issue has not led to consistent or comprehensive implementation, according to Bort, who warned that the U.S. is still unprepared for such scenarios.
Meanwhile, cyber attacks pose an equally serious risk, with experts highlighting the increasing sophistication and potential impact of these threats. The revelation of Chinese-made power inverters embedded with communication modules has raised alarms about the infiltration of American critical systems. The interdependence of systems—such as the need for water to cool the power grid—adds another layer of vulnerability, where an attack on one system could cause a cascading failure across other essential services.
AI presents yet another layer of concern. Experts warn that the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI), capable of human-like cognitive abilities, could be weaponized to bring critical infrastructure systems—including the power grid—offline. This would create widespread chaos and economic collapse. While the focus has often been on EMP attacks and cyber threats, the reality is that the threat landscape is evolving, and the U.S. must prepare accordingly.
Ultimately, the consensus among experts is that the U.S. is not ready for these types of threats. Whether the next major disruption comes from an EMP, a cyberattack, or the misuse of AI, the risk remains high. The call to action is clear: stronger national defenses and preparedness for the next big threat, as the real fight is already unfolding within our critical infrastructure systems.