Cyber Politics: From Social Media to Disinformation Campaigns

Abstract

The cyber domain has emerged as the perfect platform for international influence and struggle over the global premier. Now, global powers and even terror organizations, rogue lone-wolf terrorists and criminals execute their attacks not only in the real kinetic domain but also in the cyber domain. Alfred T. Mahan observed in the late 19th century that ‘whoever rules the waves rules the world’. It is now clear that whoever rules the cyber domain rules mass communications and, consequently, the world (or at least, a significant part of global affairs). In fact, the cyber domain is the perfect platform for international influence. It enables global powers to virtually – but really – invade and intervene in their adversaries' countries with a few [very skilled] mouse clicks. And the current state of affairs means that there are no binding international laws regarding cyberspace and no clear norms. This Section aims to develop a critical debate about international relations, politics, war, peace and strategy in and by the cyber domain. It welcomes Papers asking questions in several subfields: What is the actual nature and impact of social media, given the fact that global companies are ruled by various domestic national laws and regulations? Who is to blame for in cases of mis/disinformation? Can cyberspace be ruled by international law? This Section welcomes Papers from all fields of study, as long as they critically analyze social, political, economic and strategic aspects of cyberspace.

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