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Abstract

Scholars have long recognized and debated the effects of the “security dilemma,” where efforts by states to enhance their security can decrease the security of others. The severity of a security dilemma, and the prospects for cooperation under the dilemma, are greatly affected by military technology. In this article, I apply the security dilemma framework to a revolutionary new form of conflict: cyberwarfare. I argue that cooperation over cyberwarfare is made challenging due to the security dilemma, and that the unique characteristics of cyberwarfare make it difficult to break out of this dilemma. The reluctance and failure of states to achieve cooperation over cyberwarfare likely reflects, in part, the constraints of this “cybersecurity dilemma.” Some states have strong incentives, however, to promote limitations on offensive cyberwarfare. Thus, I propose ways in which cooperation may eventually be achieved despite these challenges

Concluding remarks
The purpose of this article has been to identify and illuminate some of the many challenges facing cooperation over cyberwarfare. I have argued that the security dilemma is particularly acute in this context, due in large part to: 1) cyberwarfare’s offensive bias; and 2) the difficulty of distinguishing between offensive and defensive cyber weapons. Because these variables weigh against
the prospects for cooperation, we can expect to see a continued race by both strong and weak states to develop cyberwarfare technologies, programs, and policies in the near future.

Reference details

Resource type
Miscellaneous
Year of Publication
2011
Publication Area
Civilian cybersecurity

How to cite this reference:

The Cybersecurity Dilemma. (2011). Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/docview/868328475?pq-origsite=gscholar&fromopenview=true&sourcetype=Dissertations%20&%20Theses