Forces that influence the world order are constantly evolving, and therefore, the global security landscape has become even more dynamic.
Previously, those with an economic advantage had the upper hand. later, the emphasis was on military armaments, particularly during the Cold War. Of course, the economy is also the backbone here, as the development of anti-aircraft weapons requires a stable and developed economy. At the same time, there is no denying that the military might play a crucial role in today's world as well. However, in recent years, there has been a dramatic shift from traditional military power to cyber power. With the advancement of technology, countries are increasingly focusing on building their cyber capabilities to gain an edge in global affairs. Cyberattacks can be just as devastating, if not more so, than traditional military attacks, making cybersecurity a top priority for many nations. As the world becomes more inter-connected through the internet, the ability to defend against cyber threats has become essential to maintaining a country's security and influence on the world stage.
Today, the contours for the existence of a new dimension of global change, known as the cyber domain, are well defined. It is clear that in the future, the power and decisive word in global politics will go to the state or organization that is technologically superior and has far greater cyber capabilities than its adversary. While economic and military strength are important factors in global politics, the ability to adapt and excel in the cyber domain is becoming increasingly crucial for maintaining power and influence. The emphasis on technological superiority and cyber capabilities may ultimately outweigh traditional economic and military advantages in shaping global politics.
… In today’s world one of the biggest threats after WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction), chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear threats, has a technological character. Now cyber capabilities are shaping a country’s strength starting from national security and ending with economy.
Intense and comprehensive warfare in Russo-Ukrainian war have made this clear. It is the most extensive and ongoing use of offensive cyber operations by one state against another in history.
It is now clear that blurring the lines between competition, crisis, and war in cyberspace requires a continuum of cyber defense, and national cyber security must be one of the state's top priorities in terms of policy focus and budget allocation. For example, in the case of Russo-Ukrainian war which still threatens to global security order, From the very beginning Russia has used cyber operations to disrupt critical infrastructure, such as power grids and government networks, causing widespread chaos and instability. This demonstrates the need for robust cyber defense measures to protect against such attacks and ensure national security in the digital age.
Immediately following the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war, America, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Holland, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom refine or strengthen the restructuring of their cyber-military assets, not only for military operations but also to ensure that peacetime military elements are strengthened for continuous national cyber defense. This war served as a wake-up call for international community to refresh their cyber ammunition.
Furthermore, it was stated that national cyber defense is dependent on effective partnerships between governments and the private sector, as well as alliances with countries with similar priorities. While it is important to enhance cyber-military assets in response to the Russo-Ukrainian war, focusing solely on military operations may neglect other crucial aspects of national cyber defense, such as infrastructure protection and civilian cybersecurity. Furthermore, Russia's full-fledged invasion of Ukraine and the whole modus-operandi has highlighted the importance of technology companies as geopolitical actors, given their decisive interventions in the conflict.
Several cyber exercises were carried out during the war in Ukraine, indicating that military power, which has been the traditional weapon of conflict until now, will set the stage for intense cyber capabilities and new ways of modern warfare.
• For example, in February 2023, France hosted ORION 23 (French and international cyber experts simulated a scenario where a cyber-attack disrupted critical infrastructure, showcasing the potential impact of cyber warfare on modern conflicts).
• Around the same time, the British Army oversaw Defense Cyber Marvel 2, Western Europe's largest cyber military exercise (the British Army tested their cyber capabilities in response to a fictional state-sponsored cyber-attack, highlighting the growing importance of cybersecurity in national defense strategies).
General Paul Nakasone, the head of US Cyber Command, confirmed for the first time that the United States has carried out offensive cyber operations in support of Ukraine. Various US units, including US Navy SEALS units, were officially deployed, and involved in the war to increase Ukraine's cyber capabilities. In addition to providing real-time assistance (repelling cyber incidents), they also trained their sergeant's cyber specialists.
Nowadays, cyber means outperform traditional combat weapons in terms of effectiveness, coverage, availability, and resonance. Furthermore, as artificial intelligence advances, authoritarian states and criminal organizations will gain access to even more sophisticated and powerful capabilities in a completely new domain, where citizens, businesses, and states rely. At this point, new threats require new mechanisms, that not only respond to challenges at the tactical and operational levels, but also at the holds the strategic level. It is crucial for governments and organizations to continuously adapt and enhance their cybersecurity capabilities to stay ahead of evolving threats in the digital age. But also, in the context of international relations, allowing for a more effective, timely, and adequate response.
Tatia Mosidze