Roots unknown - cyberconflict past, present & future

In: Sicherheit und Frieden: S + F = Security and Peace, Band 32, Heft 1, S. 1-8

Abstract

The rise of cyberspace as a domain of activity is one of the most significant developments in the history of conflict. The increased focus on "information" as a weapon itself, rather than being simply a facilitator of weapons, is changing also how both conflict and political power are perceived. While the most important facet of power used to be the ability to coerce one's opponent by the use of force, now the ability to set one's opponent's agenda and even preferences is becoming a realistic alternative. Also, it provides governments with new ways of projecting power internally (within their borders) as well as internationally, changing the meaning of "international security". This means that the future development of cyberspace and cyber conflict is very much tied to the development of "Internet governance" - the practice of managing the world's Internet resources. (S+F/Pll)