The Garrison Domain: Civil Military Relations in the Cyberspace Domain
Abstract
This paper will lay out the construct of a garrison domain and what it might look like based on Harold Lasswells theory of a garrison state. The concepts of the garrison state combined with the differences of the newly formed cyberspace domain highlight causes for concern when evaluating US actions with regards to cyberspace. Additionally, it will explore Americas dependence on cyberspace, the threat posed by that dependence, and current actions and policies in cyberspace in order to determine if the United States is on a path to creating a garrison domain. Cyberspace is everywhere, not physically, but instead in the connections it creates between the people interacting through the domain. Its ability to create virtual connections between people and devices, and cause wide spread strategic effects raises the question: Can the unique and ubiquitous nature of cyberspace support the creation of a garrison domain, and when combined with a critical dependence on this domain, drive the creation of an actual garrison state? Lasswells three traits of a garrison state: a persistent, democratized threat; the rise of the specialists in violence; and the focus on research, development, and production on capabilities for war, do not translate directly to a domain like cyberspace.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1012776
Entities
People
- Shannon C. Cummins
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College