IWP 736
4 credits
This course is a comparative examination of how various foreign entities, both state and non-state actors, operate in the cyber domain. It explores the cyber operations of those hostile to U.S. interests (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, transnational criminal organizations, and foreign terrorist organizations), as well as those of friends and allies (Israel, Ukraine, the UK, NATO, and Japan). More specifically, students will examine several important aspects of the cyber capabilities of each, to include:
- Their cyber policies, strategies, and doctrine;
- How they are organized to exploit the cyber domain;
- Key cyber operations and unique tactics, techniques, and procedures;
- Their ability to command and control their cyber capabilities;
- Their ability to exploit the cyber domain for intelligence analysis and operations;
- Their respective cyber defense and resilience abilities; and,
- Their offensive cyber capabilities and operations.
Where relevant, students will examine important case studies of cyber operations so students can appreciate the real-world challenges of operating in the cyber domain that is rapidly and constantly evolving with new technologies—what some have called the “cool war.” The course is designed intentionally to showcase demonstrations and promote web-based learning—to take advantage of the benefits of the cyber domain. Finally, students will participate in a class-wide exercise to develop an integrated, U.S. cyber security strategy given the complex threat landscape of the cyber domain. This exercise is intended to test one’s skills as a 21st-century strategist who must manage crises when they emerge and shape them to one’s advantage—the cornerstone of mastering statecraft.
The course will be taught in a combined lecture-demonstration-seminar format. Students will be expected to complete all assigned readings before each class and be prepared to discuss them during the seminar portion—especially with guest speakers. Students will be encouraged to venture beyond these readings and to pursue research topics of interest to them (in consultation with me) as they prepare their writing assignments.