Creating Restraint in Cyberspace: Forward Cyber Operations and Theories of Restraint

Abstract

As offensive cyber activities continue to trend in a dangerous direction, some states are turning to defensive strategies that involve cyber operations beyond the boundaries of their own systems. A commonly cited aim of this approach is to induce restraint in adversaries, but how to accomplish this goal remains unclear. To better understand the utility and risks in applying forward cyber operations to generate restraint in competitors, this paper examines how they might be applied under foundational theories of restraint: deterrence by punishment and compellence; deterrence by denial; entanglement; normative constraints and tacit cooperation. A structured analysis reveals three key implications and suggests associated recommendations for future policy development.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2021
Accession Number
AD1180400

Entities

People

  • Sean Atkins

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cyber Defense Techniques
  • Cyber Threats
  • Cyberattacks
  • Cybersecurity
  • Cyberspace Operations
  • Foreign Relations
  • Governments
  • Homeland Security
  • Information Exchange
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • International Security
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Recreation
  • Treaties

Readers

  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Cyber
  • Cyber - Legality in Cyberspace