Cyber warfare: connecting classical security theory to a new security domain

Abstract: This paper examines how cyber warfare as a new empirical phenomenon can be understood and explained through the classical security theory of realism. As states begin to view cyberspace as part of their strategic interest, the main divisions of neorealism provide different explanations as to the intentions and interactions of states. The hypothesis of this paper is that realism is not enough to understand or explain the new empirical phenomenon of cyber warfare on its own. I conclude the paper by examining the strengths and weaknesses of realism core features, specific arguments provided by the main division within neorealism as well as arguing the main asymmetry to the concept of power produced by the introduction of cyber warfare into the security theory.