About Article

This paper addresses the governance of cyber warfare capabilities in the Netherlands. A recent conceptual model of cyberspace is used, which distinguishes between a technical, sociotechnical, and governance layer. The issue of cyber warfare governance is addressed through a literature review, interviews, and a partial SWOT analysis. The literature review provides first insight into existing definitions and perceptions of cyber warfare in the international and Dutch context. Second, the main stakeholders regarding cyber warfare in the Netherlands and their governance roles are identified. The interviews provide more detail and enable partial cross-check of the published narrative. A SWOT analysis allows identification of the main challenges (weaknesses) connected to the governance of cyber warfare in the Netherlands and corresponding mitigating factors (opportunities). The research findings show the infancy stage of cyber warfare capabilities and governance in the Netherlands. They testify to the problem of reconciling differing and sometimes conflicting interests, and point to the need for collaboration and unified coordination of governance efforts within the Netherlands. However, governance of national cyber warfare capabilities requires more than a concerted national effort alone. Sensitivity to the international environment is indispensable given the complexity of cyber warfare governance.