This talk examines the evolution of how Russia leverages the digital domain to disrupt, spy, and degrade the adversary. Cyber operations remain a potent modern manifestation of political warfare expanding competition short of war. Yet, during Russo-Ukrainian war (2022- ), we witnessed rather limited cyber operations that did not demonstrate severe or significant attacks directed at an adversary during what might be characterised by total war. There is also very limited evidence for coordination between the military and cyber operators, while Russia’s vaunted information operations have had little effect on the conflict. Despite a dramatic uptick in cyber operations during the war, there remains little evidence that cyber capabilities change the course of war and rather remain an adjacent capability that can be used to shape but not defeat the opposition.

About the speaker

Brandon Valeriano

Senior Fellow at Cato Institute

Brandon Valeriano currently serves as a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute and Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Marine Corps University. He was also formerly a Senior Advisor to the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. Brandon’s research is focused on cybersecurity, popular culture and conflict, race and ethnicity, politics, and international conflict. He also serves as the Area Editor for International Relations and Strategy for the Journal of Cybersecurity and a General Editor for the Oxford University Press Book Series on Disruptive Technology and International Security.
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