No Shortcuts: Why States Struggle to Develop a Military Cyber-Force

by Max Smeets

Over the past decade, numerous states have declared cyberspace as a new domain of warfare, sought to develop a military cyber strategy and establish a cyber command. These developments have led to much policy talk and concern about the future of warfare as well as the digital vulnerability of society. No Shortcuts provides a level-headed view of where we are in the militarization of cyberspace. In this book, Max Smeets bridges the divide between technology and policy to assess the necessary building blocks for states to develop a military cyber capacity. Smeets argues that for many states, the barriers to entry into conflict in cyberspace are currently too high. Accompanied by a wide range of empirical examples, Smeets shows why governments abilities to develop military cyber capabilities might change over time and explains the limits of capability transfer by states and private actors.

Genres: Technology

296 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2022

Reviews

[Peter Kálnai · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the name of this monograph suggests, the author builds a theory on what is required for a nation state to develop offensive cyber capabilities, and reflects that in a so called PETIO framework (People, Exploits, Tools, Infrastructure, Organization). The author distinguishes four types of actors, forming the corners of the resources/constraints quadrant, and the preferred point of view is of those, who are constrained. The theory is illustrated with real-life examples and stories, and the text is linked with tons of references. In overall, the book is very carefully thought out, but not very easy to read. That's my reason for one star down.