Coercion and Cyberspace

Author(s): Miguel Alberto Gomez
Journal Title: Analyses of the Elcano Royal Institute (ARI)
Publisher(s): The Elcano Royal Institute
Publication Year: 2018

This analysis argues that even though states are increasingly employing cyber operations as coercive instruments of foreign policy, such operations have had limited success. So what accounts for the failure of such operations? To help provide an answer, the text’s author here explores how the structure of cyberspace affects coercive behavior and the attributes required for successful coercion, which include 1) the clear communication of a threat; 2) suitable cost-benefit calculations; 3) the credibility of the coercer; and 4) reassurances from a coercer that a threat will be rescinded upon compliance.

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