Defense and Security

National Defense and Military Transition

California is home to more military installations, defense contractors, and active-duty personnel than any other U.S. state. As a newly independent nation, California must establish its own sovereign defense forces while transitioning from U.S. command structures. This process must balance strategic security, regional stability, fiscal sustainability, and legal compliance with international law.

California will pursue a non-aggressive, defense-oriented military posture that focuses on protecting national territory, maritime and airspace, critical infrastructure, and allied partnerships.

Policy Proposal

  1. Establish the California Defense Forces (CDF)
    • Includes Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard components.
    • Initial staffing goal: ~100,000 personnel (active and reserve).
    • Defense spending target: 2.5% of GDP.
  2. Phased Transfer of U.S. Installations and Assets
    • Negotiate U.S. withdrawals with lease-back options for select bases.
    • Assume control of a proportional share of equipment, facilities, and resources.
  3. Voluntary Transition for California-Based U.S. Personnel
    • Offer existing U.S. military personnel based in California the option to transfer into CDF service.
    • Honor time-in-service for benefits and retirement eligibility.
  4. Domestic Production and Strategic Reserves
    • Prioritize domestic manufacturing of essential defense systems.
    • Maintain strategic fuel, medical, and supply reserves for crisis readiness.
  5. Defense Diplomacy and Alliances
    • Explore partnerships with NATO, APEC defense frameworks, and Pacific regional coalitions.
    • Join United Nations peacekeeping and international security agreements.
  6. Cybersecurity and Dual-Use Innovation
    • Develop cyber defense and AI capabilities to protect national networks.
    • Fund R&D through public-private defense innovation programs.

Rationale

  • Security Assurance: Ensures California can defend its sovereignty, population, and economy.
  • Legal Continuity: Transition respects international law and property rights while ensuring operational stability.
  • Talent Retention: Voluntary transfer program preserves skilled personnel and institutional knowledge.
  • Fiscal Responsibility: 2.5% of GDP supports modern defense without over-militarization.

Implementation Plan

2026–2028Draft national defense statute. Begin base and asset assessments. Launch voluntary transfer registration.
Year 1 Post-IndependenceStand up core CDF command and training academies. Negotiate phased U.S. military withdrawals. Begin asset transfer and lease arrangements.
Years 2–5Expand force readiness. Finalize equipment acquisition. Establish allied defense agreements. Launch domestic defense manufacturing.

Projected Impact

  • Operational Sovereignty: Control over air, land, sea, and cyber domains.
  • Stability and Continuity: Maintains military presence during transition.
  • Strategic Autonomy: Enables independent global policy without reliance on U.S. military.

Intelligence and Cybersecurity Integration

In an increasingly interconnected world, California must prepare to defend against espionage, terrorism, disinformation, cyber attacks, and foreign interference. As a U.S. state, intelligence functions were primarily conducted by federal agencies. Post-independence, California will need a unified and sovereign approach to national security intelligence and cybersecurity, rooted in democratic oversight and constitutional protections.

This includes the creation of a modern intelligence agency, a dual approach to cyber threats (civil and military), and a national policy framework for cybersecurity resilience.

Policy Proposal

  1. California Intelligence Agency (CIA)
    • One centralized agency for foreign and domestic intelligence.
    • Focus on counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and strategic security operations.
    • Reports to both the President and a bipartisan Legislative Intelligence Oversight Committee.
  2. Separation of Cyber Roles Between Agencies
    • Department of Defense: Cyber warfare, national security cyber threats, and military networks.
    • Department of Public Safety: Cybercrime, identity theft, and civilian cybersecurity.
    • Department of Technology: Government system protection, AI regulation, and election integrity.
  3. Cybersecurity Resilience and Infrastructure Protection
    • National cybersecurity standards for public utilities, hospitals, financial institutions, and major industries.
    • Mandatory audits and incident response planning.
    • Emergency command structures for coordinated digital crisis management.
  4. AI and Emerging Tech Oversight
    • Develop safety and transparency standards for artificial intelligence systems.
    • Require accountability and explainability in high-risk AI applications (e.g., surveillance, sentencing, hiring).
  5. Public Transparency and Civil Liberties
    • Legal protections against warrantless surveillance and abuse of power.
    • Regular transparency reports and whistleblower protections.
    • Citizen review boards and judicial oversight of intelligence operations.

Rationale

  • Unified Security Architecture: Avoids duplication and ensures coordinated national response.
  • Modern Threat Mitigation: Protects against evolving digital and geopolitical risks.
  • Trust and Accountability: Public transparency builds legitimacy for intelligence and cyber operations.
  • Sovereign Capabilities: Ensures California does not rely on foreign powers for critical security functions.

Implementation Plan

2026–2028Draft founding statutes for CIA and cybersecurity framework. Develop agency charters and interdepartmental coordination systems. Begin infrastructure vulnerability assessments.
Year 1 Post-IndependenceStand up the CIA and key cyber divisions. Launch intelligence recruitment, training, and domestic network security programs.
Years 2–5Full operational capacity. Annual cybersecurity audits. Finalize data sovereignty treaties and AI safety laws. Launch international partnerships for digital security cooperation.

Projected Impact

  • Improved National Security Posture: Coherent, sovereign intelligence and cyber defense.
  • Civil Liberties Protection: Legal safeguards and democratic oversight mechanisms.
  • Resilient Digital Infrastructure: Protection for critical services, government, and personal data.

Border Security and Immigration Management

As a U.S. state, California has had limited control over its borders and immigration policies, relying on federal enforcement and legislation. Post-independence, the Republic of California will gain full authority to design a border system that secures its territory while upholding human rights, facilitating trade, and welcoming legal migration.

California’s large economy, diverse population, and global connectivity require a modern, humane, and technologically advanced border and immigration system tailored to its unique geography and values.

Policy Proposal

  1. 10-Year Border Modernization and Integration Plan
    • Upgrade land, air, sea, and rail border entry points with advanced technology and infrastructure.
    • Implement facial recognition, X-ray cargo scanning, and AI-powered monitoring systems.
  2. Border Staffing and Command Centers
    • Deploy over 30,000 border security and customs personnel across major crossings and regions.
    • Establish regional command hubs and satellite coordination centers for surveillance and operations.
  3. Legal Pathways for Migration and Citizenship
    • Implement a multi-tier residency and citizenship system:
      • Birthright and descent-based citizenship.
      • Legal residency and a pathway to citizenship for long-term undocumented residents.
      • Visa categories for workers, students, and refugees.
  4. Asylum and Humanitarian Protections
    • Guarantee due process and fair treatment for asylum seekers.
    • Prohibit detention of children and families for civil immigration violations.
  5. Trade and Cross-Border Economic Coordination
    • Maintain high-volume commercial crossings for trade with Mexico and international partners.
    • Use AI and digital documentation systems to ensure fast, secure, and transparent customs processing.
  6. Privacy and Oversight
    • Use of surveillance technology limited to border and customs enforcement.
    • Independent oversight body to ensure human rights compliance and data protection.

Rationale

  • Security and Sovereignty: A fully operational border system is essential to national control.
  • Human Dignity: Aligns border management with humanitarian principles and international law.
  • Economic Efficiency: Streamlined trade and travel flows strengthen economic resilience.
  • Legal Integrity: Transparent systems promote public trust and lawful immigration.

Implementation Plan

2026–2028Finalize border modernization blueprints. Begin procurement and initial tech deployment. Draft new immigration and citizenship code.
Year 1 Post-IndependenceActivate regional command centers. Launch legal residency and visa programs. Begin international visa reciprocity negotiations.
Years 2–10Complete infrastructure rollout. Finalize humanitarian protections and oversight systems. Fully implement border employment and trade processing protocols.

Projected Impact

  • Secure, Efficient Borders that manage people, goods, and security threats effectively.
  • Inclusive Immigration System providing lawful pathways and humanitarian protections.
  • Economic Competitiveness maintained through seamless trade and travel infrastructure.
  • Global Credibility in upholding human rights while ensuring territorial control.

This section is part of the California Vision.

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