Accidental/Inadvertent Nuclear War and Information Warfare

In: Armed forces & society, Volume 25, Issue 4, p. 653-675

Abstract

Because of military professional enthusiasm for a post-nuclear world dominated by high technology, conventional weapons may be misplaced. Nuclear deterrence remains highly relevant to the new world order because of residual great power nuclear arsenals and nuclear proliferation. In addition, the possible combination of information warfare and a failure of nuclear deterrence is one troublesome aspect of the future technology and policy environment. Stable nuclear deterrence depends upon an environment of mutual confidence and accurate information exchange between potential adversaries, especially during crises. Information warfare is intended to corrupt the information environment of potential-opponents before a war begins or during it. Infowarriors could increase the likelihood of accidental/inadvertent nuclear war or escalation.