Cyberwar - more than economic interests --- I would say that traditionally most wars started for economic reasons, often disguised as political ones. Access to the sea and control of trade routes, access to arable land, water or other strategic resources, etc. have been at the heart of conflicts between countries or communities.

One could argue that Cyberwar is not different than "traditional" war in that regard. Stealing data or paralysing infrastructures have economic impact and can provide an advantage for the perpetrator.

However, to put it very simply, digitalisation is bringing the fight between democratic and authoritarian systems to new levels. It is not primarily about economy, but about politics and the social contract between the State and the citizen.

Source author: Florence Tinguely Mattli florence.tinguely-mattli@eda.admin.ch