Cyberspace Operations: Influence Upon Evolving War Theory

Abstract : Cyberspace has reshaped the strategic environment in which the world s players conduct activities requiring senior military leaders to develop a new theory of war incorporating this dynamic and complex battlespace. As the world s oceans have provided a means to conduct commerce and wield power throughout history, cyberspace today provides the same to powerful nations with conquering militaries. The significant difference today is that cyberspace provides those opportunities not only to powerful nations, but also to lone actors whose individual actions can have strategic affect given the speed with which communications and actions are transmitted on the digital infrastructure. The U.S. needs a strong defense in cyberspace against those who wish it harm, as well as a strong offense supported by international laws governing the use of cyberspace operations. This paper addresses both the opportunities and challenges posed in this new dimension as well as the implications of operating in cyberspace for the U.S. The U.S. must take a leading role in developing laws governing cyberspace operations both as a battlespace and as a place of commerce and communications.