Converging state and non-state actors in cyber warfare demand novel defenses amid escalating sophistication and infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Authors
Vidisha Shekhawat, Manipal University Jaipur, India
Pranjal Khare, Assistant Professor, Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India
Kiet Le Hoang, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
Summary
Cyber warfare has transformed the digital realm into a critical conflict domain, marked by an increasing convergence of state and non- state actors. Initially dominated by nation- states, cyberattacks now involve a diverse range of entities, from hacktivists and cybercriminals to terrorist groups wielding sophisticated capabilities. The rise of state- sponsored cyber operations has initiated a new cold war characterized by persistent digital espionage and sabotage. Concurrently, non- state actors are employing cyber tools for various motives, often achieving levels of sophistication comparable to state- level attacks. This blurring of lines complicates attribution, heightens the risk of unintended escalation, and challenges established international norms. The future of cyber warfare anticipates greater complexity with the proliferation of advanced technologies. The growing interconnectedness of critical infrastructure will expand vulnerabilities, necessitating novel defence and deterrence strategies to address the evolving threats posed by both state and non- state actors in this domain.
Published in: Technology, Geopolitics, and the Transformation of International Political Economy
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