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Will the next World War be a cyberwar?

9 snips
Dec 2, 2025
Nigel Inkster, former MI6 director, shares insights on the thin line between cyber attacks and acts of war, highlighting the dangers of ransomware creating societal disruptions. Dr. Lauren Sukin discusses the formidable challenges of cyber regulation and how complex attribution issues undermine deterrence. Professor Alexander Evans evaluates the UK’s cyber readiness and offensive capabilities against rising global threats from states like Russia and China. The consensus among guests: while cyber warfare will play a pivotal role in future conflicts, it won't stand alone.
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INSIGHT

Cyber Is Part Of Wider Warfare

  • Cyber operations are typically a subset of broader warfare, not a separate new form of war.
  • Nigel Inkster argues cyber is integrated into traditional conflict rather than standing alone.
INSIGHT

No Clear Casus Belli In Cyberspace

  • No international consensus defines when a cyber attack equals a declaration of war.
  • The US treats cyber effects equivalent to kinetic damage as potentially justifying a kinetic response.
INSIGHT

Ransomware Risks Strategic Harm

  • Ransomware now causes wide economic and social disruption similar to terrorism or worse.
  • Nigel Inkster warns state-condoned criminality amplifies strategic harm and may force a reframing of threat levels.
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