Another manifestation of cyber conflict: attaining military objectives through cyber avenues of approach

Abstract

Cyberspace is an avenue of approach through which a military force can attain objectives of value. Through these cyber avenues of approach, military forces can engage, vet, organize, and direct human agents to accomplish specific activities. Although the objectives of these activities could differ from traditional military objectives, they still have military relevance. This particular manifestation of cyber conflict is neither a new domain of war nor something outside of warfare. Rather, it can be viewed as an emerging avenue of approach in the larger context of military operations, auguring benefits in the integration of cyber activities with operations.

Keywords:

• Cyber war
• cyber conflict
• Clausewitz
• Sun Tzu
• military theory

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Mike Fitzsimmons, Betsy MacCarthy, David Nicholls, and two anonymous reviewers for their comments and helpful advice. Any errors are his own.