Cooperation and conflict in the virtual world: How cyber and other emerging technologies will shape the future of world affairs

Cyber and other new technologies are altering the global political and military landscape. While these changes are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, battlefield automation may dramatically alter the political logic of war. Just as war is understood as a continuation of politics, cyber conflict as a political tool must serve political ends. How is the issue of cyber conflict informing political decisions? Internet security challenges like hacking and aggression are making headlines, but some of these issues may be overhyped or misplaced.  Real challenges are going unaddressed due to fears of unlikely catastrophic outcomes. How do we separate mere hacking mischief from the real threat of cyberwar?

Erik Gartzke is Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Peace and Security Studies (cPASS) at the University of California, San Diego, where he has been a member of the research faculty since 2007.  Previous permanent faculty positions include Columbia University in the City of New York (2000 to 2007) and the Pennsylvania State University (1997 to 2000).  He has also held temporary positions at Dartmouth University, the Ecole des Affaires Internationales (Sciences Po), UC Santa Barbara and at the University of Essex.  His research focuses on war, peace and international institutions.  His interests include nuclear security, the liberal peace, alliances, uncertainty and war, deterrence theory, and the evolving technological nature of interstate conflict.  He has written on cyberwar, trade and conflict, and the effects of economic development, system structure and climate change on war.  Gartzke’s research has been published in numerous academic journals and edited volumes.

Chair:

Julian Wucherpfennig is Assistant Professor of International Affairs and Security at the Hertie School. His research focuses on the strategic nature of political violence and conflict processes, especially ethnic civil war and terrorism.