The article discusses the significant impact of the Internet on politics and national security, particularly in the context of a new type of warfare—cyber-war. It notes that the Internet, which gained prominence following the end of the Cold War in the late 1980s, has become a platform for political conflict and ideological rivalry, enabling global access to information and participation in politics like never before.
Key points highlighted include:
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Transparency and Information: The Internet can enhance governmental transparency by allowing public access to official documents and reports. However, it also increases exposure to both factual information and misinformation.
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Coordination of Groups: The Internet facilitates the rapid organization of various interest and extremist groups, creating new political dynamics.
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Cybercrime and Cyber-terrorism: Traditional crimes have transitioned online, leading to issues such as cybercrime and cyber-terrorism, which can threaten national security and the functioning of governments.
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Political Propaganda: Radical groups utilize the Internet for propaganda, recruitment, and spreading fake news to influence public opinion, as evidenced in cases like the 2016 U.S. Presidential election.
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Legal Framework: The article discusses international legal measures aimed at combating cybercrime and terrorism, emphasizing the need for states to cooperate and adhere to human rights standards.
Overall, the Internet’s dual role as a tool for democratization and a medium for potential threats reshapes governmental and societal interactions in the contemporary political landscape, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity and legal responses to mitigate these risks.
