The motivation for success, what holds us back

TLDR:

Key points:

• Cyberattacks are constant and nations like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea engage in cyber mischief without much deterrence.
• Author R. David Edelman explores the forces that restrain state use of cyberattacks despite the strategic advantage they provide.

Article Summary:

The article reviews the book “Rethinking Cyber Warfare: The International Relations of Digital Disruption” by R. David Edelman. It discusses the ubiquity of cyberattacks and the lack of effective deterrence against nations like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Edelman explores the factors that inhibit full-fledged cyber warfare, such as deterrence, international law, and humanitarian concerns. He argues that traditional deterrence strategies are ineffective in the cyber realm, as cyber capabilities make rational calculations difficult. Instead, Edelman proposes the concept of “structural deterrence” where nations shape the international environment through alliances and law to deter cyber wrongdoing. He also suggests that shared notions of humanity, similar to prohibitions on chemical or biological weapons, could be a promising source of restraint on cyberattacks. Edelman’s book is dense but valuable for academics, policymakers, and military personnel looking to understand and control cyber warfare.