The Journal of Intelligence, Conflict, and Warfare

Middle Power Cyber Security Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific: An Analysis Through the Lens of Neo-Middle Power Diplomacy

Thomas Murphy, Stephen Nagy — Fri, 31 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700

As technology has advanced and our world has become increasingly interconnected, cyberspace has become a key battlefield in great-power competition. The Indo-Pacific has found itself vulnerable in this new reality – the paucity of institutions, heterogeneity in levels of development, and the region being the primary zone of US-China competition fueling these vulnerabilities. Cyberspace provides a multitude of security threats posed by states, non-state actors and state-sponsored actors. Despite this, cybersecurity takes a backseat to other security issues despite its critical importance. Using the concept of neo-middle power diplomacy, this paper examines why the limited cybersecurity cooperation among middle powers in the Indo-Pacific has taken the shape it has. This paper finds that the two most promising areas of cooperation for middle powers are through confidence building measures and capacity building measures. Through actively pursuing these two measures, middle powers can become more effective, capable, and autonomous stakeholders within the Indo-Pacific.

Received: 03-17-2024

Revised: 05-03-2024

Untangling Sudan’s Discord: Decrypting the Intricate Threads of Turmoil

Frederick Appiah Afriyie — Fri, 31 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700

The conflict in Sudan between its military forces and a rival paramilitary group, exacerbated by allied militias, has escalated into a dire humanitarian crisis, reminiscent of past civil wars where hundreds of thousands perished. This ongoing struggle, marked by thousands of casualties and millions displaced, centers on a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with global powers seeking to influence the outcome. Despite initial hopes for democracy following the ousting of former dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019, political turmoil ensued, culminating in a failed transitional government and the assumption of power by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Despite agreements aimed at civilian-led transition, missed deadlines and the contentious integration of the RSF into the national armed forces perpetuate the conflict. Amidst this turmoil, international sanctions target entities funding the conflict, such as Alkhaleej Bank, Al-Fakher Advanced Works, and Zadna International, among others, reflecting broader efforts to disrupt funding sources and facilitate a democratic transition. In this context, this research delves into the underlying factors driving the conflict in Sudan.

^{Received: 05-19-2024}

^{Revised: 05-27-2024}

Security and Climate Change: Challenges and Issues

Simon Dalby — Fri, 31 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700

On January 18, 2024, Dr. Simon Dalby presented Security and Climate Change: Challenges and Issues. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS Vancouver Executives. The key points discussed were the complex relationship between climate change and conflict, the ability of climate change to redefine global security strategies, and the importance of implementing long-term initiatives before more significant amounts of resources are needed to address immediate climate crises.

^{Received: 01-29-2024}

^{Revised: 02-04-2024}

Intersections of Influence: Exploring the Nexus between Mass Media and Security

Scott Watson — Fri, 31 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700

On February 15, 2024, Dr. Scott Watson presented Intersections of Influence: Exploring the Nexus between Mass Media and Security. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives. The key points discussed were the significant role of mass media in shaping public perceptions and policymaker attitudes on various security levels; the diffusion of media ownership, particularly in social media, allows for broader participation yet lacks the journalistic norms and ethics seen in traditional media; and how all types of media can produce insecurity through the spread of simplistic narratives, false equivalencies, the decline in societal trust, and the platforming of foreign influences.

^{Received: 02-26-2024}

^{Revised: 03-01-2024}

A Peaceful Rise: How China Sees its Global Role in 2024

Reza Hasmath — Fri, 31 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700

On March 21, 2024, Dr. Reza Hasmath presented, A Peaceful Rise: How China Sees its Global Role in 2024. The presentation was followed by a question-and- answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives. The key points discussed were the views of the Chinese population regarding international actors, their positioning in relation to Chinese international cooperation, their understanding of these relationships with Canada, and how Canada can play an important role in binding China to the West.

^{Received: 03-29-2024}

^{Revised: 04-04-2024}

Canadian Foreign Defense Policy: Keeping up with Changing Global Landscapes

Jean-Christophe Boucher — Fri, 31 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700

On April 18, 2024, Dr. Jean-Christophe Boucher presented Canadian Foreign Defense Policy: Keeping up with Changing Global Landscapes at the CASIS April Digital Roundtable. The presentation was followed by a question-and- answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives. The key points discussed were the need for greater defense spending in Canada and Dr. Boucher’s study on the factors contributing to public support for greater defense spending. The study found that the presence of external threats determines support for funding, however socio-demographic factors may also correlate to individuals’ views on defense spending.

^{Received: 05-01-2024}

^{Revised: 05-05-2024}

The Intersections of Terrorism and Civil War

Michael Soules — Fri, 31 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700

On May 16, 2024, Dr. Michael Soules, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science from the University of Houston, presented The Intersections of Terrorism and Civil War. The presentation was followed by a question-and- answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives. The key points discussed were the intersection of terrorism and civil war, the definition of terrorism and the empirical implications, the relationship between group strength and utilisation of terrorism, the effectiveness of terrorism, and the contested literature on terrorism and civil war.

^{Received: 05-25-2024}

^{Revised: 05-27-2024}