Characteristics of cyberspace as a distinct domain of conflict: A case study of U.S. strategic operations

Abstract

In this paper, I intend to contribute to the systematic study of cyber strategies and policies by offering a synthesis of key events and findings on state actions in cyberspace after 2007. Such a synthesis implies tracing the processes that contributed to the beginning of the militarization of cyberspace from 2007 to 2013. Then, it implies defining the basic characteristics of cyberspace that determine the actions of states, among which are: the democratic character; high potential for human error; attribution problem; technical volatility; and time and speed constraints. Finally, the synthesis includes a concrete example of the influence of key characteristics on the strategic behavior of the USA. Based on the analysis of the strategic documents of the USA and the analysis of the previous behavior of this country, I argue that the theory of ?persistent engagement?, which in its construction considers the aforementioned characteristics, remains the backbone of the USA?s behavior in cyberspace.