InterRegional for Strategic Analysis

Middle East Online has published an in-depth analytical review of Cyber Weapons: Mapping Non-Traditional Threats to Cybersecurity, edited by Dr. Ahmed Abdelaleem Hassan, with contributions from researchers Dr. Samah Abdelsabour, Abdelmalek Hussein Amer, Asmaa El-Khouly, Ammar Yassin, and Sabah Abdelsabour. In addition to an introduction and conclusion, the book comprises six chapters, combining a theoretical foundation in cybersecurity with an examination of different threat patterns, the role of cyberspace in international relations, the activities of non-state actors, the growing impact of artificial intelligence, and the economic consequences of cyberattacks. In surveying these issues, the book moves from the question of what cybersecurity is to a broader one: How has the digital domain itself become a new arena for the exercise of power, conflict, and influence?According to Middle East Online, the book begins by examining how the concept of cybersecurity itself has evolved. Initially focused on computer security and protection against hacking, the concept has broadened to encompass the security of information, networks, and critical infrastructure, ultimately positioning cyberspace as a domain in its own right, where the political, economic, and security interests of states and societies intersect. The digital domain is therefore no longer merely a tool used by states and other actors; it has become an extension of political, economic, and security structures. This evolution, in turn, is prompting a reassessment of the concept of sovereignty in an environment whose boundaries are not confined by geography.Middle East Online notes that the book also traces the evolution of technology and networks leading up to the emergence of the internet, as well as the enormous expansion in reliance on digital systems to manage state institutions, economic activity, communications, and public services. As this dependence has grown, so too has the range of associated threats, with system breaches, data theft, service disruptions, and attacks on critical infrastructure becoming an increasing part of the contemporary security landscape.The book draws on Joseph Nye’s conceptualization of cyberspace as a domain of power, in which cyber capabilities can be used not only to coerce and influence others, but also to mold the institutions and structures that govern interactions in the digital domain. From this perspective, cybersecurity is no longer a purely technical issue. Control over information, as well as the ability to disrupt or protect critical systems, can serve as instruments of power with a direct impact on interstate relations.The first chapter, "Theoretical Approaches to the Study of Cybersecurity," seeks to provide a theoretical framework for understanding the rise of cybersecurity as a concept in international relations. It also establishes a definitional framework for cybersecurity and maps the various concepts associated with it. while It also surveys the major theoretical approaches—including realism, liberalism, and constructivism—and examines how each interprets the nature of cybersecurity.The second chapter, "Different Patterns of Cybersecurity Threats," examines the diverse sources of cyber threats, both internal and external. It surveys major conventional cyber threat techniques according to the method and nature of the attack, while focusing primarily on emerging forms of cyber threats, particularly those involving artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and cryptocurrencies.The third chapter, "The State of Cybersecurity in International Relations," examines the evolving role of cybersecurity amid rapid developments in technology and cyberspace, treating it as a non-traditional component of national security. Within this framework, the chapter focuses on the cyber policies of major powers as well as those of emerging and middle powers. It also examines trends in international cooperation and coordination on cybersecurity amid the growing prevalence of transnational threats.In light of the threats arising from terrorist groups and organizations’ use of cyberspace, the fourth chapter, "Non-State Actors’ Use of Cyberspace," identifies different types and categories of non-state actors, including cyber militias, cyber mercenaries, hackers affiliated with terrorist organizations, and cybercrime groups, among others. The chapter also examines the factors driving non-state actors to operate in cyberspace, as well as the implications of their activities for security and stability around the world.The fifth chapter, "The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Strengthening Cybersecurity," explores various dimensions of AI use, particularly its role in enhancing national cybersecurity. It examines ways to employ AI in light of the rapid advances in the technology in recent years, while also highlighting the challenges associated with its use in cybersecurity, including legal and ethical concerns and other potential obstacles. The chapter also presents several future scenarios for the relationship between artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.The sixth and final chapter, "The Impact of Cyberattacks on the Global Economy," examines the varied implications of cyber threats for economic sectors around the world and the extent to which different countries are exposed to them. It also considers global cybersecurity spending, highlighting how rising threats and the need to protect institutions and sensitive systems are driving such expenditure. This is especially significant as cyberattacks become increasingly complex and their potential consequences become more serious. The chapter also outlines several strategies for mitigating the impact of cyberattacks across different regions of the world.Middle East Online concludes that the book presents cybersecurity as an issue that extends far beyond the technical domain, requiring a reassessment of several fundamental concepts related to power, security, sovereignty, and international relations. The digital domain is no longer simply a medium through which information flows; it has become an arena for conflict and competition in which diverse actors pursue overlapping military, political, and economic objectives can intersect.The significance of this transformation lies in the mounting complexity of the threats themselves. Attacks can be rapid and transnational, difficult to trace, and carried out by non-state actors. They can also have economic, political, and security dimensions all at once. As artificial intelligence becomes a growing element in cyberattacks, the boundaries between defense and offense, economic and national security, and the civilian and military domains are becoming increasingly blurred.Source: Middle East Online

A Review of Cyber Weapons: Mapping Non-Traditional Threats to Cybersecurity