Cyber Theatre: a fifth domain of international politics

Abstract

The cyberspace has now become a space theatre that enshrines activities such as cyber strategy, cybersecurity, cyber defence, and cyberwar. The cyberspace is a realm likened to the global arena where involved or interested actors are spurred by one interest or the other. The challenge in such a realm is the lack of a central authority to enforce order. This explains why the cyberspace will remain an arena of cyberwar since no state nor individual has a monopoly over the internet. Issue of anonymous identity in the cyberspace has proven to be a challenge without a solution in sight as National Cyber Securities are infiltrated by trojans and cyber-actors. However, national cybersecurity has made success in identifying the source or location of a cyber-threat or attack, but identifying the attacker or hacker remains unattainable due to the anonymity of the attackers who have perfected the art of hiding their identity during cyber-attacks, although there are success stories of hackers being identified, this remains scanty. The cyberspace is a double-edged sword at the individual unit, state and global levels. Cyberwar can only come to an abrupt opt when morality becomes a norm. Cyberwar is a means to an end in the hands of cyber-actors. China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, America, terrorist networks, individuals, investors, universities, companies, and other stakeholders have prioritised the use of cyberspace due to its efficiency and accuracy. The cyberspace has presented itself to humanity as a viable alternative to land, water, and space.

Keywords

• Cyber
• Cybersecurity
• Cyber-strategy
• Cyberwar
• Cybercrime

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