The utilization of emerging technologies for purposes of cyber espionage is the cornerstone of this paper. Although many have referred to cyber security risks that are directly connected to the security sphere, national security threats due to economic cyber espionage have not been dealt with to the same extent, and this oversight is rather puzzling. As cyberspace becomes increasingly utilized for espionage purposes, it is imperative to further examine the possibility of exploiting cyberspace for the purpose of espionage specifically...
In the past few years, the European demand for arms has increased due to the significant security challenges that have developed throughout the continent. This trend has also resulted in a marked increase in Israeli defense exports to European countries, which is expected to continue in the years to come, especially to Eastern Europe. This development requires that Israel act cautiously—among other reasons—in order to avoid a direct diplomatic clash with Russia, which is the primary reason for the current European armament.
Israel is monitoring the North Korean crisis and assessing its implications, particularly with respect to the Iranian nuclear program. There is concern exists that American restraint and continued provocative North Korean behavior would signal to Tehran that a country determined to cross nuclear red lines is able to do so, even in face of American opposition. Thus for Israel, it is necessary to resume a comprehensive dialogue with Washington, and to formulate a joint policy towards Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the risks incurred by...
Are the recent US strikes against the Islamic State, as well Russia’s permissive policy on airstrikes in Syria that cause mass civilian casualties and extensive harm to civilian infrastructures, evidence of a change in international standards in the fight against terrorist organizations and sub-state actors? A related question is: do the rules of engagement that apply to powers such as the United States and Russia also apply to other states confronting terrorism, such as Israel? How should Israel prepare for its next confrontation...
Cyberthreats are a new and developing, complex phenomenon. A central way for decision makers to cope with this difficulty is through analogies as simplifying psychological constructs. One analogy that could be used is terrorism and specifically the terrorballistics experience in Israel. Building on this analogy, three main takeaways are suggested. The first takeaway is that key assumptions on the cybersecurity future should be revisited. The second one is the possibility of adapting the “six Ds” counterterror framework— Defense,...
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India recently compared his country’s cross-border response against terrorists in Pakistan— following the attack in Uri in Indian-administered Kashmir—to Israel’s pre-emptive and retaliatory raids across its borders. This has given rise to serious debate about whether it is desirable for India to adopt Israeli military strategy. A country’s history, political culture, and dominant discourse of national security greatly influence policymakers and their communities. With that in mind, in this article, it...
The proximity of relations between intelligence officers and policymakers and the balance between the aspirations of the intelligence officers to influence the decision-making process and their primary professional duty to ather accurate intelligence is an ongoing argument within the intelligence discourse. Other discussions focus on whether the primary professional duty of the intelligence officer is merely to create intelligence or also to actively shape policy, and whether strategic intelligence is a product of research groups in...
This article describes and defines the concept of “human terrain” that developed in the American military following its experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq and elaborates on the reasons that led to its development. It focuses on the theoretical foundations and on the correlations between human terrain, cultural intelligence, and intercultural competence, all against the backdrop of the American and Israeli experiences in different theaters of confrontation. Acquiring an in-depth understanding of the local culture is an essential...
Analysis in recent years demonstrates that government responses to cyberattacks vary widely. Although there has been significant political pressure to “do something,” past experiences illustrate that most policy responses are ad hoc. This indicates that 1) response to cyberattacks is still an exceedingly untested phenomenon; 2) cyber domain is a relatively new arena of conflict—especially for the policymakers—and, therefore, special attention should be directed towards it; and 3) more research is needed to understand how...
As with all emerging threats, the cyber realm represents new dangers, which will be difficult to address. This article argues that cyberthreats are not fundamentally different from other asymmetric threats, and it provides a conceptual model for developing a response by drawing on classic principles of military strategy, the “four Ds”— Detection, Deterrence, Defense, and Defeat—as well as resilience (the little “r”). We offer a model for how countries can create policies addressing each of these principles that will enhance the...
The world’s perception of cyberspace has evolved from the libertarian promises of the 1990s to the current situation, where nation-states seek to reestablish their sovereignty. This paper explores the history of our conceptions of cyberspace, from the enthusiastic utopias culminating in the so-called “declaration of independence of cyberspace” to the technological underpinnings and the legislative steps being taken by today’s governments to assert more control. It will address efforts in the West and East to resolve diverse,...
China’s new Cybersecurity Law will go into effect on June 1, 2017. According to official statements, the purpose of the law is to protect China’s national security and social stability through close supervision of internet content and technologies. The law has the potential to affect every Chinese or foreign internet or information technology business operating in China. After the law was announced, there were concerns in the West that the continued operation of foreign companies in China will be conditional upon their...
