Navigating a Journey: A Glimpse into Nathaniel Fick’s Path from Dartmouth to Diplomacy
Nathaniel Fick, a proud member of the Dartmouth Class of 1999, pursued an impressive academic journey, majoring in ancient history and earning high honors. Yet, like many students, he faced a sense of uncertainty during his undergraduate years in the late 1990s—an “adrift” feeling that many young adults can relate to as they navigate their future paths.
A Turning Point at Dartmouth
Fick’s transformative moment came from an unexpected source. He attended a talk at the Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Public Policy by then-Wall Street Journal military reporter Thomas Ricks. Ricks shared compelling stories from his time covering the U.S. Marines in Somalia. This experience ignited a spark in Fick, who observed a multitude of interests among his peers, leaving him feeling somewhat disconnected. “I wasn’t especially interested in some of those paths, so I joined the Marines,” Fick shared during a recent visit to campus, shedding light on his decision to serve.
Fick returned to Dartmouth to engage with students during the Law and Democracy: The United States at 250 series. This event came just in time for Veterans Day, highlighting the sacrifices of those who have served. His lively conversation with the current student body offered an illuminating blend of personal experiences and vital insights into contemporary issues.
Insights from a Military and Tech Innovator
Moderated by seasoned diplomats—including Erica Barks Ruggles, a former ambassador to Rwanda, and Morgan Ogreen, a former Navy helicopter pilot—Fick’s talk covered a spectrum of topics: from military service and technological innovation to foreign policy in a rapidly changing world. Fick’s unique position as the inaugural U.S. ambassador at large for the State Department’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy from 2022 to 2025 provided the foundation for his discussions.
One of the most gripping issues he raised was the changing nature of warfare in the era of technology. Fick emphasized that despite the advances in tech, “high-tech warfare is still brutal and ugly and painful.” Fick cautioned against misconceptions of clean cyber warfare. “We fall into the trap sometimes of thinking that cyberwarfare is somehow going to be clean… I don’t buy it,” he asserted, illustrating the complex intersection of technology and human conflict.
Addressing Modern Geopolitical Challenges
During the discussion, the participants pressed Fick on pressing geopolitical challenges, particularly in relation to China. Barks Ruggles inquired, “How do we manage competition versus conflict?” Fick responded candidly, identifying technology as the new battleground. He articulated concerns regarding China’s aggressive cybersecurity strategies against the U.S., citing issues such as intellectual property theft and personal data aggregation. “I think tech’s that battleground,” he said, a stark reminder of the ever-evolving nature of international rivalries.
Fick stressed the importance of balancing innovation and regulation for national security. He advocated for voluntary commitments from tech companies to promote safety and trust while emphasizing the need for a robust industrial policy to maintain the U.S.’s competitive edge.
The Role of Immigration in Technological Advancement
When questions arose about immigration’s significance in maintaining dominance in technology, Fick noted that many tech companies were either founded by or supported through immigrants. “We cannot win a global technology competition over time without a steady stream of people who want to come here and build and support great businesses,” he asserted passionately, underscoring the melting pot nature of innovation.
Food Security and Environmental Threats
Fick didn’t shy away from addressing more unconventional threats, such as vulnerabilities within food supply chains. He warned about the dangers of state-sponsored attacks involving parasitic organisms aimed at agriculture, marking a convergence of biotech and national security that is becoming increasingly relevant.
A Legacy of Service and Leadership
Fick’s resume reads like a combination of a soldier’s valor and a tech executive’s vision. After his military career, which included serving in combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and writing about his experiences in the acclaimed memoir One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer, he transitioned into leadership roles in technology. He ultimately served as CEO of cybersecurity software company Endgame, gradually melding his backgrounds in both military and tech sectors.
Fick’s heartfelt messages resonated deeply, notably with students like Ryan Joseph ’29, who aspires to explore government and public policy. Joseph remarked on the emphasis placed by Fick on service in various forms, particularly as they relate to today’s geopolitical landscape. “He emphasized that we are at a critical moment in the global race for advancements in AI and cybersecurity,” Joseph reflected, reiterating Fick’s call for unity in the face of polarization.
A Valuable Perspective on Career Paths
As the discussion drew to a close, Fick reminded attendees that careers often appear linear only in hindsight. “We’re all kind of grasping in the proverbial dark room trying to figure out the next step,” he said, moving students to consider their paths with a mix of pragmatism and hope.
Fick’s commitment to maintaining a connection with Dartmouth mirrors the broader ethos of the institution—a commitment to service and leadership that has spanned generations. His journey serves not only as a source of inspiration but also as a powerful reminder of the diverse paths available to those willing to engage in civic leadership and community service.
