This paper aims to analyze compulsory cyber power through an ecologic lens so as to aid in generalization of cyber conflict and offer an alternative approach to the typical top-down methodology that academics take. By looking at what makes up cyberspace, the “terrain” and various actions/restrictions, the author tries to elucidate political and coercive actions. By taking four defining characteristics of cyberspace (malleable terrain, virtual realm, networked space, and software and power diffusion), the paper observes the complexity of the cyber domain. First in terms of the malleability, there are changes in not just the physical terrain with which cyberspace is integrated, but also the social aspect (referring to people’s perception and personal interaction). These both impact security and blur the lines related to associated responsibility, attribution, and dependence on critical infrastructure. With the virtual realm, there is a large-scale aspect of cyberspace that remains virtual (many layers and processes). The main challenge here is keeping up with space and time pressures and implications, especially with regard to power diffusion. Next for networked space, the main focus here is the fact that cyberspace is decentralized yet had many weak points and vulnerabilities. There is a tradeoff between being robust and resilient to errors and making the Internet vulnerable on a larger scale. Finally with software and power diffusion, it is now rather cheap to enter this space, making the barrier to entry much lower. This opens up more security implications. This ecological framework helps break down the necessary challenges and important aspects of cyberspace.
