Kyberdeterrence

Kyberdeterrence is a theoretical concept in nuclear strategy that proposes deterring an adversary's use of weapons of mass destruction by threatening to retaliate with a conventionally armed weapon of similar destructive power. The term "kyber" is derived from the Greek word for "hand" or "power," suggesting a direct, conventional response. This approach contrasts with traditional nuclear deterrence, which relies on the threat of nuclear retaliation.

The core idea behind kyberdeterrence is to bypass the escalatory risks associated with nuclear threats. Proponents argue that a conventional response, while still devastating, would not carry the same global consequences or the same likelihood of triggering a full-scale nuclear exchange. This could make it a more credible and usable form of deterrence in certain scenarios, particularly those involving limited WMD use.

However, kyberdeterrence faces significant challenges. Critics question whether a conventional attack, no matter how powerful, could truly deter the use of WMDs, especially if the adversary perceives its own survival as being at stake. There are also concerns about the definition of "similar destructive power" and the potential for miscalculation or unintended escalation. The effectiveness of kyberdeterrence remains a subject of ongoing debate among strategists and policymakers.