The Myth of Cyberwar: Bringing War in Cyberspace Back Down to Earth

• DOI: 10.1162/isec_a_00136
• Publication Date: 2013-10-28T14:02:25Z
• Authors: Erik Gartzke
• Keywords: Cyberwarfare

Cyberwar has been described as a revolution in military affairs, transformation of technology and doctrine capable overturning the prevailing world order. This characterization threat from cyberwar, however, reflects common tendency to conflate means ends; studying what could happen cyberspace (or anywhere else) makes little sense without considering how conflict over internet is going realize objectives commonly addressed by terrestrial warfare. To supplant established modes conflict, cyberwar must be furthering political ends which force or threats are applied, something that major respects fails do. As such, much more likely serve an adjunct to, rather than substitute for, existing force. Indeed, threatening hierarchies, simply augment advantages status quo powers.