Mapping the Cyber Security Dilemma. Selective Theoretical Remarks

Abstract

To date only a few scholars and security studies experts around the world referred explicitly the cyber security dilemma within their research works. As I generally agree with Nicholas Rueter and Mike McConnell findings on this topic, I strongly believe the classical security dilemma framework – as defined and conceptualized by Robert Jervis previously, emerges within cyberspace undoubtedly. In other words, in terms of cyber security, this paper aims to identify and reveal the most likely elements which describe the both cyber security dilemma escalation and de-escalation (referred herein as “ease” or “settlement”). Therefore, I focus my attention on continuing Rueter’s work, by stepping forward his theory in terms of factors or behavior leading to the occurrence and escalation of cyber clashes among international “cyber stakeholders”. Last but not the least, I describe and review briefly the cyber security dilemma escalation and settlement pattern.