The Strategic Impact of Cyberspace on International Relations

The emergence of information technologies and digital networks has long been regarded as a revolutionary development. At the same time, the degree and nature of their strategic impact remains the source of much debate, particularly in the field of international relations. Most controversies relate to how digital technologies are changing traditional strategic modalities, including deterrence and coercion, particularly between states. This paper proceeds in two steps. After reviewing the literature on the nature of changes brought about by digital technologies, it attempts to define the conditions under which digital technologies modify the modalities of coercion and deterrence. It concludes by analysing the possible conditions of strategic instability or stability.