HYBRID WARFARE: CYBER PROXIES AND INDIRECT APPROACH BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN (2014-2021)
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Date
2023-05-18
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DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATION RELATIONS.
Abstract
The rapid advancements in the field of information technology alongside the information
revolution has put states in the midst of a complex cybersecurity landscape in which all states are
increasing and advancing their cybersecurity infrastructure to protect themselves from
cyberattacks which pose a potential threat to their critical information infrastructure. The study of
cyberspace and cyberattacks is therefore critical in current times because this domain is emerging
as the arena for advanced geopolitical competition due to the nature of threat –cyber threats cannot
be seen and are harder to detect, cyberattacks are transnational and sometimes transcontinental,
and can be one of the tool for coercive diplomacy. When discussing geopolitical competition and
tensions, South Asian region is of particular significance due to the relations of two nuclear powers, India and Pakistan. Cyberspace offers these two countries a new domain for competition
and both countries have formulate their respective National Security Policies in the face of
emerging cyber threats from each other. This thesis evaluates the cybersecurity landscape of India
and Pakistan with regards to threats and perceptions. It then discusses the policy responses of both
countries and the nature of advancements in the domain cybersecurity –offensive or defensive,
while highlighting the role of cyber proxies as an instrument of hybrid warfare. The research
utilises Indirect Approach by Basil Liddell Hart as cyber threats cannot be seen and are hard to
detect which puts the emery state at a vulnerable position. The research concludes at several
recommendations for Pakistan to develop a comprehensive security framework.