Information Warfare Emerging Arena for Future Conflicts

Abstract

newline The Topic of this Thesis is Information Warfare: Emerging Arena for Future Conflicts. newlineInformation warfare is formally defined as Actions taken to achieve information superiority newlineby affecting adversary information, information-based processes, information systems, and newlinecomputer-based networks while defending one s own . The objective of IW is to attain a newlinesignificant information advantage that enables own forces to quickly dominate and control newlinethe adversary. newlineExisting literature on the subject reveals that IW is becoming more relevant in modern times. newlineIW is relevant both during peace and war. The offensive IW actions have a capability of newlinehiding the source which provides deniability to the offender. This is making IW a favorite newlinetool in the hands of governments. IW tools have a low cost of implementation. This makes it newlinepopular amongst rogue states, non-state actors and hackers. Also cell-phones and social newlinenetworking sites are providing new tools in the hands of the populace to wage wars against newlineoppressive states as revealed in the Arab Spring. Most governments are evolving their IW newlinedoctrines and strategies. As the term warfare is being seen as politically incorrect, therefore newlinethe concepts of Information Operations are being promulgated more instead of IW. newlineGovernments are trying to build a consensus on internationally acceptable laws which could newlinegovern Information Warfare as no rules of engagement currently exist. Therefore it is newlineimportant to understand the tenants of IW, current trends and emerging technologies, newlineevaluate their influence on future conflicts and recommend measures to exploit its full newlinepotential.