CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2021
| Author | Spisak, Matej |
|---|---|
| Title | Cyber Deterrence and Limitations of Punishment and Denial: Cyber Norms as Part of the Solution |
| Summary | Cyberspace is an environment with particular characteristics. Nevertheless, in the case of deterrence, cyber deterrence is yet another departure with its own difficulties. In 2016, the U.S. experienced unprecedented cyber interference during the presidential election and cyberattacks also continued afterward. The aim of the thesis is to evaluate existing assumptions about the efficacy of the traditional means of deterrence in cyberspace – punishment, and denial – on the case of the United States after the 2016 presidential election. The paper argues that states should pay additional attention to non-traditional means of deterrence such as norms, inasmuch traditional means are not always sufficient to deter cyberattacks. In some cases, even these means combined are not sufficient as the case of the United States shows. For these particular reasons, states should also focus on the development of norms in cyberspace, including norms related to electoral cyber interference and cyber espionage. The paper uses process tracing as a method to evaluate the efficacy of the traditional means of deterrence on the case of the United States between 2016 and 2020. The paper suggests that except for punishment and denial, states should pay attention to the development of norms. A coalition of like-minded democratic states might develop certain norms and clearly state punishment for their violation. Additionally, states such as China and Russia might be also included in the process, but they need to see and understand the benefits of it. |
| Supervisor | Roe, Paul Richard |
| Department | International Relations MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2021/spisak_matej.pdf |
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