Cyber war is a term that has been the subject of intense debate among scholars, military strategists, and cybersecurity experts. At its most basic level, cyber war refers to the use of digital tools and cyber capabilities to conduct acts traditionally associated with warfare, such as attacks on infrastructure, espionage, and the dissemination of propaganda. However, whether such activities constitute “war” in the conventional sense is still contested.
The Debate: Cyber War vs. Cyber Warfare
The term “cyber war” might suggest a form of conflict akin to traditional warfare, but the reality is more complex. Dr. Thomas Rid, in his influential book Cyber War Will Not Take Place, argues that what is often called cyber war is better described as cyber warfare. He suggests that true cyber war—defined as a conflict where cyber attacks are the primary means of achieving violent political goals—has not occurred and is unlikely to happen. Instead, he identifies three main activities that fall under the umbrella of cyber warfare:
- Espionage: The covert gathering of information, often involving the hacking of sensitive data from governments or corporations.
- Sabotage: The deliberate disruption or destruction of critical systems or infrastructure, such as power grids or communication networks.
- Propaganda: The use of digital platforms to spread disinformation or influence public opinion, often to destabilize political environments.
Is There Such a Thing as Cyber War?
Rid’s argument is that while cyber activities are increasingly important in modern conflicts, they do not constitute war in the traditional sense. For example, espionage has always been a part of statecraft, long before the advent of the internet. Similarly, sabotage and propaganda, though now often conducted through digital means, have been components of warfare for centuries. Thus, these activities, even when conducted through cyberspace, do not amount to a new kind of war but rather an evolution of existing strategies.
However, other experts argue that the impact of cyber attacks can be so profound that they should be considered acts of war. For instance, the NotPetya attack on Ukraine in 2017, which crippled critical infrastructure, is cited by some as an example of cyber warfare due to its scale and the damage inflicted.
Conclusion: Cyber Warfare as a Component of Modern Conflict
The term “cyber war” might be somewhat misleading. As Dr. Rid and others argue, cyber warfare is perhaps a more accurate description, encompassing the use of cyber tools to conduct espionage, sabotage, and propaganda. These activities, while serious and potentially devastating, do not yet represent a new type of war but rather a continuation of age-old tactics adapted to the digital age.
For a deeper exploration of these concepts, including case studies and theoretical perspectives, you might want to explore Cybercrimes: Critical Issues in a Global Context by Anna Lavorgna, available through the Online Library. This resource provides additional context and analysis on the global implications of cyber activities.
We love to share our knowledge on current technologies. Our motto is ‘Do our best so that we can’t blame ourselves for anything“.