Cyber War versus Cyber Realities: Cyber Conflict in the International System

Maness, Ryan C.,Valeriano, Brandon

ISBN 10: 0190204796 / ISBN 13: 9780190204792

Published by Oxford University Press, 2015

About this Item

Seller Inventory # mon0004069918

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Cyber War versus Cyber Realities: Cyber Conflict in the International System
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication Date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0190204796
• ISBN 13: 9780190204792
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Fine

About this title

Synopsis

In 2011, the United States government declared a cyber attack as equal to an act of war, punishable with conventional military means. Cyber operations, cyber crime, and other forms of cyber activities directed by one state against another are now considered part of the normal relations range of combat and conflict, and the rising fear of cyber conflict has brought about a reorientation of military affairs. What is the reality of this threat? Is it actual or inflated, fear or fact-based?

Taking a bold stand against the mainstream wisdom, Valeriano and Maness argue that there is very little evidence that cyber war is, or is likely to become, a serious threat. Their claim is empirically grounded, involving a careful analysis of cyber incidents and disputes experienced by international states since 2001, and an examination of the processes leading to cyber conflict.

As the authors convincingly show, cyber incidents are a little-used tactic, with low-level intensity and few to no long-term effects. As well, cyber incidents are motivated by the same dynamics that prompt regional conflicts. Based on this evidence, Valeriano and Maness lay out a set of policy recommendations for proper defense against cyber threats that is built on restraint and regionalism.

About the Author

Brandon Valeriano is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Politics and Global Security at the University of Glasgow.

Ryan C. Maness is Visiting Fellow of Security and Resilience Studies at Northeastern University.