Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis - ECU Access Only
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Master of Business by Research
School
School of Business and Law
First Supervisor
Pi-Shen Seet
Second Supervisor
Stephanie Meek
Third Supervisor
Violetta Wilk
Abstract
The aim of this thesis is to explore the transnational trade in cyberweapons through four comprehensive case studies, particularly focusing on elucidating the roles of semi-state and non-state actors in the trade of spyware and zero-days. Through this analysis, this study seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of contemporary security challenges and their implications for major international relations theories, particularly in relation to the security dilemma within the cyber domain.
This study’s qualitative research design is grounded in the ontological stance of reflectivity and relativism, along with the epistemological assumptions of interpretivism/constructivism. To enhance the credibility, understanding, and applicability of this thesis, the researcher employs purposeful sampling. The research methodology involves a comprehensive case study approach to explore the roles played by semi-state and non-state actors in the transnational trade in cyberweapons. Furthermore, four specific instances are selected to serve as in-depth case studies. The empirical findings from both the comprehensive case study and the four selected case studies are used to explore how the roles of semi-state and non-state actors in the transnational trade in cyberweapons challenge the standing assumptions of security dilemma theory. The primary method of data collection in this research project consists of online desk research to gather secondary textual data sources. This thesis also utilises thematic analysis as its qualitative data analysis method.
This thesis analyses the transnational trade in cyberweapons, delineating it into two distinct spheres: the spyware trade and the trade in zero-days. In the spyware trade, both semi-state and non-state actors play pivotal roles in facilitating the commercialisation and proliferation of surveillance technologies and spyware tools, while also contributing to the secretive and partially regulated nature of this trade. In the trade in zero-days, semi-state and non-state actors play instrumental roles in both facilitating the commercialisation and proliferation of zero-day vulnerabilities and exploits and perpetuating the trade’s secretive and partially regulated nature. This study contends that across the two most pivotal components of the transnational trade in cyberweapons even when security perspectives differ amongst state, semi-state, and non-state actors, the substantial dependence of state actors on this trade, along with the instrumental roles fulfilled by semi-state and non-state actors within it, ultimately undermines the effectiveness of resulting regulations. Moreover, this study contends that rather than directly confronting the entrenched assumptions of the security dilemma, the roles assumed by semi-state and non-state actors in the transnational trade in cyberweapons highlights the imperative for a more nuanced comprehension of the security dilemma within the cyber domain.
This thesis makes several contributions to the understanding of the roles played by semi-state and non-state actors in the transnational trade in cyberweapons. It offers a nuanced exploration of these actors’ roles, shedding light on their facilitation of the trade’s commercialisation, proliferation, secrecy, and partially regulated nature. The study advances conceptual understandings in this field by differentiating between the roles of these actors in the spyware trade and the trade in zero-days. Furthermore, by delving into theoretical debates surrounding the cybersecurity dilemma, this research contributes to broader discussions within the field.
DOI
10.25958/fbse-tt87
Access Note
Access to this thesis is embargoed until 28 June 2027
Recommended Citation
O'Brien, S. N. (2024). Semi-state and non-state actors, the transnational trade in cyberweapons, and the cybersecurity dilemma. Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.25958/fbse-tt87