The Modern Scholar Podcast
Cyber Conflict and National Power
Jan 16, 2024
Dr. Max Smeets, a Senior Researcher at the Center for Security Studies at ETH Zurich, is an expert in military cyber-force development. He discusses the complexities nations face in building military cyber capabilities and the evolution of military cyber operations. Smeets unpacks the P, P, T, I, O framework and highlights the critical role of workforce and infrastructure. He also delves into the use of cyber proxies, the myths surrounding cyber operations, and the importance of balancing work with insightful reading.
42:15
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Quick takeaways
- Dr. Max Smeets emphasizes the need for new strategic frameworks in military cyber operations to effectively address the unique challenges of cyberspace.
- The distinction between cyber espionage and cyber attacks is complex and highlights the operational and ethical dilemmas faced by states in cyber conflict.
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Current Role and Research Focus
Dr. Max Smietz currently serves as a senior researcher at the Center for Security Studies in Zurich, where he enjoys academic freedom to explore various topics related to military cyber operations, particularly in the realms of cybercrime and ransomware. In addition to his research, he is the director of the European Cyber Conflict Research Initiative, which aims to foster interdisciplinary studies on cyber conflict across Europe. This initiative includes a fellowship program that has accepted a diverse group of researchers from various backgrounds, such as journalism, government, and academia. Dr. Smietz's work allows him to bridge both research and practical initiatives, enhancing understanding of cyber issues in a collaborative manner.
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