CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2023
| Author | Ciobotariu, Cristina |
|---|---|
| Title | Non-state actors in Cyberconflict: Explaining the involvement of KillNet hacker collective in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict |
| Summary | ABSTRACT The hybrid nature of Russia's invasion of Ukraine has drawn the attention of various cybercrime and hacktivist groups into the conflict. Among these groups, Killnet emerged as a significant player, aligning itself with the Russian government and targeting actors supporting Ukraine. As the involvement of hacker collectives becomes a critical dimension in inter-state conflicts, this thesis seeks to unravel the motivations and actions of Killnet, shedding light on the subjective and objective aspects of hacktivism. Using qualitative analysis, this research delves into Killnet's identity, motivations, activities, organization, tactics and communication processes to comprehend how and why hackers engage in interstate conflicts. The study employs constructivist lenses and actor-network theory logic alonside social media analysis for exploring the role of ideas, norms, and social and material interactions that influence hackers' political agendas. The case study highlights the importnace of nationalism and hacker culture in explaining hakers’ involvement in international conflicts. Intersubjective meanings are attributed to hacktivism by socio-technical networks, meanings that strenghten the phenomenon of non-state actors in cyberspace. These meanings futher shape and construct realities in cyberspace and conflict surrounding it. |
| Supervisor | Cameran Ashraf & Josep Ibáñez |
| Department | School of Public Policy MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2023/ciobotariu_cristina.pdf |
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