Digital Arms Race: U.S. - Russian Cyber Conflicts and their Impact on Global Financial Security

Abstract

With the growth of cyber warfare, nations now use technology to retain power, obtain information and disturb their opponents. The influence of Realism in International Relations (IR) theory is investigated on the cyber confrontation between the United States and Russia for global financial stability. It investigates how cyberspace, apart from conventional warfare, is used for deterrence, power display and dealing with economic challenges. By looking closely at NotPetya and SolarWinds, the paper demonstrates that countries use financial targets in their national strategies. It also looks at the critical issues of identifying parties, managing activities and preventing attacks within the lawless digital environment. Finally, the article suggests strategies to help countries resist cyber threats, improve international cyber rules and stop future stress in the financial sector.