•  
  •  

Home > Open Access Journals > JSS > Vol. 17 > No. 4 (2024)

 

Author Biography

Tony Yuan Li is an officer in the Singapore Armed Forces and a student at Georgetown University Walsh School of Foreign Service.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5038/1944-0472.17.4.2268

Subject Area Keywords

Cybersecurity, Defense policy, Information operations, International security, Science and technology & security, Security policy

Abstract

In an era where cyberwarfare poses an invisible but potent threat to national security, traditional deterrence theories fall short in providing nations with a viable strategy to defend themselves. This is especially the case for small states, where limited national resources and cyber capabilities prevent them from effectively deterring larger powers. This paper investigates whether small states can achieve cyber deterrence, and the means to do so. This research challenges the preconception that small states are at a disadvantage in cyber contestation, and instead proposes that their small size offers unique defensive benefits. A smaller attack surface, faster incident response mechanisms, and cohesive populations offer small states asymmetric advantages on the defense against larger powers. Through an analysis of case studies from Estonia and Singapore, this paper demonstrates that small states can effectively deter cyberattacks from larger states by leveraging these asymmetric advantages. This paper concludes by recommending a defense-centric deterrence strategy for small states, advocating for securing critical infrastructure, investing in human and technological capital, and implementing a whole-of-society effort to increase national cyber resilience.

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank the reviewers for their insights and feedback.

Download

Share

COinS