Amid increasing discussion of cyberspace as a military domain and anticipation of an impending “cyber war,” Thomas Rid analyzes what exactly a “cyber war” would entail, then proceeds to argue that an act of cyber war has not yet occurred, and is unlikely to occur in the future. Using Clausewitz’s definition of war, Rid argues that for something to be an act of war it must “have the potential to be lethal” – be able to cause physical violence, be “instrumental” – the means to some greater end, and be “political” – a willful act conducted by a known political entity. Rid proceeds to evaluate examples of past cyberattacks using these criteria and finds that none are able to meet the definition. He posits that cyberattacks can be better classified as new methods of sabotage, subversion, or espionage – well-known techniques wielded by states and criminals, but distinct from war.
