Graduation Date
5-2020
Document Type
Senior Thesis
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Primary Major
Political Science
Second Major
Graphic Design
Program Director
Alison Howard, MA
Thesis Advisor
Alison Howard, MA
Abstract
Given the rapid development and ease of access to technology, the threat of extremist organizations utilizing cyberspace as a means to target critical American strategic infrastructure is of increasing concern. The risk posed by the acquisition of fissile material, sabotage, or use of a nuclear device by an extremist organization has been exasperated due to technological development outpacing strategy. Despite policy-makers’ attempts to protect the public from cyber-attacks and nuclear terrorism, the federal policies in place have failed to account for the continual evolution of technology and the gaps in security that this advancement brings. Through examining documents from congressional and bureaucratic agencies using content analysis, this study examines whether or not policymakers, congressional or bureaucratic, use deterrence theory when they make policy, suggestions, rules, and guidelines. This thesis asks how U.S. policy regarding nuclear terrorism has changed given a rise in cyberthreats? This thesis also asks a second question: Which federal agency is most capable of dealing with cyberthreats concerning nuclear terrorism? The findings of this research concluded that as cyberthreats continued to develop, policymakers using deterrence theory shifted to using previous waves of deterrence theory, primarily dealing with rivalry and competitive threats. In addition, this research finds that intelligence agencies are the most capable federal agencies in proving guidelines and informing future policymakers.
Recommended Citation
Demmert-Shelfo, Oliver, "Asymmetric Threats: Analyzing the Future of Nuclear Terrorism & Cyber Attacks; The Value of Deterrence Theory for Addressing the Challenges of Nuclear Terrorism in the age of 21st Century Cybersecurity" (2020). Political Science & International Studies | Senior Theses. 1.
https://doi.org/10.33015/dominican.edu/2020.POL.ST.01
Included in
Defense and Security Studies Commons, International Relations Commons, Other Political Science Commons, Terrorism Studies Commons