Cyber deterrence as a challenge to International Security: How could a conceptual framework formulate national deterrence strategies to prevent warfare actions in the cyber domain?

Abstract. This thesis aims to determine the role of deterrence in the digital age, where nation-states can threaten strategic assets through just a couple of keyboard strokes. It will examine classical and contemporary deterrence strategies for the purpose of assessing their applicability and meaning to the cyber domain. The research aims at establishing the feasible concepts from these conventional strategies that are suitable within cyberspace. Building on concepts from both classical and contemporary deterrence theories, this work ultimately proposes a conceptual framework for separate doctrines or national cyber deterrence strategies that would be helpful in preventing warfare actions in the cyber domain