Theory of strategic culture : an analytical framework for Russian cyber threat perception

Abstract

The strategic environment is evolving rapidly with the recognition of cyberspace as a domain of warfare. The increased interest in cyber as a part of defence has heightened the need for theoretical tools suitable to assess cyber threat perceptions and responses to these threats. Drawing from previous research, we will formulate an analytical framework to study the formation of Russian thinking on cyber threats as a part of Russian strategic culture. This article identifies a sense of vulnerability, the narrative of Russia as a besieged fortress and the technological inferiority of Russia as specific factors influencing Russian cyber threat perception.