Conclusion

Abstract

Abstract This concluding chapter first provides a summary of the theory and findings and then proceeds to identify six key implications for world politics. First, subversion will remain attractive yet rarely shift the balance of power. Second, although subversion destabilizes victims, it stabilizes international politics overall. Third, cyber operations carry a heightened risk of destabilizing mass effects not due to their superior effectiveness, but because of their shortcomings. Fourth, in some circumstances the shortcomings of subversion increase the risk of unintended escalation. Fifth, despite technological change, traditional subversion will not only remain relevant but also likely pose a more significant threat than cyber operations. Sixth, rather than interstate conflict, the most transformative impact of cyber operations is likely to be on the relationship between state and society, as well as between states and nonstate actors. The final part addresses limitations of the study, considers alternate explanations for some of its findings, and lays out under what conditions the argument would change.