Accountability and cyber conflict: examining institutional constraints on the use of cyber proxies. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Akoto, William
• Is Part Of: Conflict management and peace science. Volume 39:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 311
• Page End: 332
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Accountability -- cyber conflict -- cyber proxies -- institutional constraints -- state-sponsored cyber attacks; International relations -- Research -- Periodicals; Peace -- Research -- Periodicals; 327.17
• DOI: 10.1177/07388942211051264
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-8942

Abstract

As state-sponsored cyber operations have proliferated, some states are outsourcing these operations to non-state cyber proxies. However, given the relative ease of outsourcing cyber operations, it is puzzling why more states are not engaged in this practice. I examine how domestic accountability institutions potentially explain this restraint in the use of cyber proxies. I argue that in cases where the incumbent is likely to be held to account for cyber operations, there is restraint in the use of proxies. Moreover, I distinguish vertical from horizontal accountability and argue that because vertical accountability mechanisms directly threaten the tenure of the incumbent if outsourced cyber operations go wrong, it has a greater constraining effect relative to horizontal accountability. I test these propositions with new data on the activities of several hacker groups and robustly confirm that accountability institutions do place significant constraints on the use of cyber proxies.