This paper begins the process of laying the groundwork for a new comprehensive academic theory on Cyber Macht (Cyber Power). This new proposed new theoretical construct will not just be an update on Soft Power or Noopolitik, but instead will also include elements of Information Operations (10) and the practical aspects of diplomacy and warfare. This new theory is all about the communication paths and changes in connectivity focused around a central theme that power has now been globally distributed. This is caused by the huge increase in access to information, for all people around the world, with increased connectivity and the ability to influence events far beyond the previous normal range. This new theory will therefore reference power and influence operations including the ability to shape the information in this new cyber era while still protecting the assets and maintaining the ability to get accurate and relevant information from multiple sources and channels. For what has changed in this new era is the range in which one person can extend the influence of their actions or ideas. This is evidenced in the increased rise in cyber attacks and the need to always be ready, with robust Computer Network Defense (CND) or Information Assurance (IA) efforts. Most succinctly, success in this era can be characterized by the ability to counteract or reject adversaries' global influence while still projecting your own. To succeed, one must maintain the required connectivity and logistics, to include networks, computers, and fiber, to ensure access, while isolating the adversary by countering his ideology propagation and cutting off communication access as well. Military theories in the past often focused on protecting interior lines of communications. This is still applicable in the information age, although the author's believe the focus is not about controlling the networks or information, but rather about ensuring open access and the free flow of data. It is critical to maintain continuous and ubiquitous connectivity, where horizontal integration across different organizations is a key ingredient of this new theory, with an emphasis on sharing vice closed, on open architecture, on open minds, all of which the authors believe equals total transparency.
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