Loss of Sanctuary
Module 7
The Lesson
The module learning objectives:
- Understand the concept of an Information (electronic) Pearl
Harbor.
- Understand loss of sanctuary.
Historical Review
What was Pearl Harbor? A strike at the heart of America.
Why Pearl Harbor? Japan wanted to eliminate the US's ability to
project power in the Pacific.
How do countries today project power?
- Politically
- Economically
- Military option removed
Another Consideration
Why are Third World nations so desperately seeking weapons of mass
destruction (WMD)?
Many nations do not have the resources to maintain a powerful military
force. WMDs, such as nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons present
an economically viable alternative for security.
What was wrong with Japan's WWII strategy and recent efforts by
Third World nations? Pearl Harbor ensured a response from the United
States. Japan wanted to erase the U.S. Pacific military threat.
They, of course, did not accomplish that. Iran, Iraq, Libya, and
others want to reduce the effectiveness of American military influence,
but they know doing so explicitly and deliberately would result
in war.
An Effective Information (electronic) Pearl Harbor
An Effective Information (electronic) Pearl Harbor So what would
an effective Information Pearl Harbor look like? Today, our critical
infrastructures consist of the transportation, power, and industrial
networks. These all could be likely targets.
The U.S. may find it difficult to use military force in response
to an Information Pearl Harbor-type attack. It is difficult for
the U.S. to retaliate using military action when the country did
not suffer loss of life and cannot even determine who to target.
Weapons Choice From a Non-US Perspective
| Force Deployed |
Relative Expense |
Anticipated Response |
| Military deployment |
Very high |
In kind. US would dominate. |
| Nuclear |
High |
Possible in-kind. US would win. |
| Chemical/biological |
Medium |
Definite military response. US would win. |
| IW infrastructure attack |
Low |
US can't ID attacker. Can't retaliate. |
Information Pearl Harbor Summary
- Many developing nations are seeking to level the field with
respect to the basic elements of power.
- Most nations have started advancing their economic and political
development, and thus are seeking to increase their international
status.
- No nation on earth can afford to challenge the U.S. militarily.
IW can level the field.
- The political, economic, and military reaction to an IW Pearl
Harbor is an acceptable risk to an attacking nation.
- Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the next Pearl Harbor
will be against a critical aspect of America's infrastructure.
Further, it is reasonable to suggest that this attack will be
launched via cyberspace.
Note: You must have Netscape version 2.0 or higher to run the post
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