Cyberspace and the New Age of Influence

The importance of cyberspace and the utility of networked computer systems have grown exponentially over the past 20 years. For this reason, this study advances a theory for operations in cyberspace that uses the cyber domain to strategically influence an adversary in a context prior to armed conflict. It addresses different types of operations by initially examining parallel constructs from classical airpower theory. It goes on to analyze cyber operations in light of recently demonstrated international cyber events as well as analogues from air warfare, counterinsurgency warfare, and information operations. The analysis demonstrates that capabilities developed to exploit the unique nature of the cyber domain can be extremely persuasive if properly integrated into a well-crafted grand strategy. Effects created within the cyber domain can have real-world results that drive an opposing state’s leaders to make decisions favorable to the state that is able to weild power in the domain. These operations can focus on the critical infrastructure of another state, its indigenous population, or even the leaders, themselves.

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