Cyberspace paradox
Synesis: A Journal of Science, Technology, Ethics, and Policy 2010; 1:G54-57
Cyberspace has recently found itself at the center of attention, but at what cost or to what benefit? In a time of fast-paced cyberspace development in doctrine and of commands, one must not lose focus of the holistic view of the existing information environment. This article uses Joint doctrine, to define cyberspace in the lexicon of Joint terminology, and suggests broadening the cyberspace strategy debate to incorporate the larger information environment. As a result, this article suggests that cyberspace be treated as part, albeit a large one, of the larger information environment. Furthermore, too much emphasis solely on cyberspace overshadows other information effects and areas of influence in the information environment.
The idea of the information environment is neither new nor limited to a certain strategy. In fact, there are examples of military strategies that successfully combine all aspects of the information environment, including cyberspace, into a coherent information warfare strategy. The United States currently has both the doctrine and the ability to engage in information warfare. However, because of its present fascination with cyberspace the United States is rewriting, or in some cases rejecting outright, its current information strategy. The cyberspace paradox thusly becomes how to develop a holistic strategy for the entire information environment that includes and incorporates the evolving and prominent domain of cyberspace.
Key words: cyberspace, information environment, information operations, information warfare, electronic warfare.