Countering Violent Extremism through Enhancing Cyber Capabilities: A Case Study of Pakistan

Abstract

In the contemporary era, fifth-generation warfare as a strategy has gained prominence among the states. Unlike conventional warfare, it targets attitudes and beliefs using unconventional means such as information warfare, psychological operations, and cyberattacks. This type of warfare does not only include physical violence but virtual as well. Due to the internet and increasing use of social media, it is easier to spread extremist ideas to the masses at a faster rate; which results in physical violence in the society. This happens when a certain faction of the masses, transcends their civil boundaries and acts upon the extremist ideas being promoted online. As a result, it is now easier to mobilize a mob than it was before. In the area of security studies in international relations, this emerging issue has been placed under the category of hybrid warfare, where state and non-state actors are using non-military means for instance internet to create instability in the target state. Hence, in contemporary times, cyber security has gained prominence in international relations. States are seeking to achieve cyber resilience against cyber threats. On the contrary, Pakistan is ranked as one of the least cyber-secure countries due to its weak legislative policies, lack of cooperation between institutions, and stronger diplomacy on international platforms on cyber-related issues. Hence, this research first focuses on explaining how disinformation as a cyber-crime is a threat to Pakistan’s cyber platforms which are being exploited by India to generate violence and extremism in Pakistan. This was exposed internationally as well by the report published by the European Union with the name “Indian Chronicles.” It highlighted India’s information warfare against Pakistan in exploiting its fault lines in Balochistan; thereby creating anti-state sentiments in the citizens. India is also involved in creating propaganda against the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the minds of Pakistani citizens, developing anti-CPEC ideas and disturbing China-Pakistan relations. Furthermore, the research also aims to study the current cyber structure of Pakistan and understand whether it is productive enough to counter the looming cyber threat posed by India. The study analyses Pakistan’s cyber readiness on four levels; legislation, incident response, information sharing, research development, and international cooperation. Lastly, the research aims to provide a holistic approach to Pakistan in limiting the spread of violence and extremism online by applying the model of “cyber layered deterrence” given by the United States Department of Defense in countering cyber threats. The case study of Estonia is taken to study the practical implementation of the model as the country to secure its cyber boundaries has implemented it.