International Security

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Deterrence and Dissuasion in Cyberspace

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Deterrence and Dissuasion in Cyberspace
127th Cyber Operations Squadron, Wichita, Kansas, March 29, 2016.

Summary

Can states deter adversaries in cyberspace? Analogies drawn from nuclear deterrence mislead; nuclear deterrence aims for total prevention, whereas states do not expect to prevent every cyberattack. Additionally, cyber deterrence is possible even though it can be hard to identify the source of a cyberattack. Attribution problems do not hinder three of the major forms of cyber deterrence: denial, entanglement, and normative taboos.

Recommended citation

Joseph S. Nye Jr., "Deterrence and Dissuasion in Cyberspace," International Security, Vol. 41, No. 3 (Winter 2016/17), pp. 44–71.