Cyber Warfare

Cyberwarfare has emerged as a critical dimension of modern conflicts, challenging traditional State-centric frameworks in international relations. As technology continues to advance, cyber attacks have the potential to cause significant disruptions to critical infrastructure and national security. This article examines how post-colonial vulnerabilities intersect with cyberwarfare, highlighting the interplay between State and non-State actors in hybrid warfare. Using China’s App ban in India as a case study, the article explores how colonial legacies exacerbate cybersecurity challenges in post-colonial States. It argues for a decolonized approach to war studies that integrates the roles of technology, culture, and governance in addressing evolving cyber threats, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusive governance structures. By highlighting the inadequacies of current legal and policy frameworks, the study underscores the need for collaborative, inclusive strategies to counter cyber threats.

The uptick in cyber attacks following the Pahalgam terror incident reflects a pattern seen in other conflict zones in Europe and West Asia.

With cyberattacks on the rise in the wake of the Israel–Hamas conflict, Israel’s ‘cyber-dome’ initiative aims to fortify its digital defences.

Military capabilities matter. Countries and regions where wars have taken place have one important attribute- battle and operational experience. The monograph examines 21st century wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Georgia and Libya. New trend of cyber war is also included. Key highlights have been extracted and distilled into lessons to be learnt.

The Israel Defence Force (IDF) follows a whole-of-nation approach to build effective cyber capabilities, which can be studied to draw lessons for the Indian armed forces.

The Russia–Ukraine cyberwar has upended a number of existing preconceptions about cyber conflict in an active war.

Taiwan has a robust defensive strategy to counter malicious Chinese cyber activities, including its disinformation campaigns.

With the proliferation of Artificial Intelligence, the weapons of war are becoming more technologically equipped, which is changing the battlefield scenarios, as seen in Russia’s current incursion in Ukraine.

Cyberconflict in Ukraine has become normalised in that it is focused, there is no lasting damage, and it effectively conveys a sense of helplessness to the affected government and population. At the same time, it signals to other governments that they are not impervious to such attacks.