Title

Why Iran would avoid a major cyberwar

Authors

Jan Kallberg, Army Cyber InstituteFollow

Document Type

Article

USMA Research Unit Affiliation

Army Cyber Institute

Publication Date

Winter 1-17-2020

Abstract

Demonstrations in Iran last year and signs of the regime’s demise raise a question: What would the strategic outcome be of a massive cyber engagement with a foreign country or alliance?

Authoritarian regimes traditionally put survival first. Those who do not prioritize regime survival tend to collapse. Authoritarian regimes are always vulnerable because they are illegitimate. There will always be loyalists that benefit from the system, but for a significant part of people, the regime is not legit. The regime only exists because they suppress popular will and use force against any opposition.

Web Link

https://www.fifthdomain.com/thought-leadership/2020/01/17/why-iran-should-avoid-a-major-cyber-war/