Building cyberarms in an interconnected world: Implications and dilemmas of the militarisation of cyberspace

Cyberspace has brought tremendous economic opportunity globally but is also increasingly seen as a site of political and economic insecurity. This research project examines the attempt by states to deal with today’s complex, interconnected cyber infrastructure through the creation of cybermilitaries. Strengthening military capabilities in cyberspace also inevitably means accepting and exploiting global cyberinsecurities – often the very same insecurities that threaten trust in the digital market and the fundamental rights of the individuals. So why do states feel the need to tackle insecurities in cyberspace through cyber-armament? How do states balance cyber-armament with economic or rights-based concerns in cyberspace? And what are the political implications of militarising cyberspace? In answering these questions, this project deploys a critical constructivist approach to international relations and security studies, and considers the various competing (cyber)security and (cyber)technology perceptions in the Danish and American administrations and defence communities and in NATO. Drawing on access to the policy and military circles in these countries and in NATO, this project contributes with insights into the dilemmas and implications of building and politically dealing with cybercapabilities both nationally and internationally.