The Politics of Cyber Security Threats: Beyond Cyber-Doom Rhetoric
Dr. Sean T. Lawson

May 17, 2017

In the U.S. cyber security debate, policymakers, military leaders, and news media often deploy frightening cyber-doom scenarios involving fictional tales of cyber attack resulting in mass destruction or disruption. Some even contemplate total economic, social, or civilizational collapse. Though there is no doubt that we face serious cyber security threats, few if any cyber attacks to date have come close to causing the kinds of damage contemplated in cyber-doom rhetoric.

In this talk, Professor Lawson will outline his research into the variations and potential effects of cyber-doom rhetoric. He argues that cyber-doom rhetoric is the latest manifestation of longstanding fears of technology out-of-control in Western societies. He argues that the specific fears expressed in cyber-doom rhetoric are not only unrealistic, but may also be counterproductive for framing the way we think about the real cyber threats that we face. He offers a way forward beyond the use of cyber-doom rhetoric that is informed by an appreciation for the role language and rhetoric play in framing and responding to security threats.

Professor Lawson is Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Utah. His research focuses on the relationships among science, technology, and national security. This has included the use of nonlinear science in U.S. military thought, military use of social media, and public policy debate about cyber security. He is the author or co-author of two books and numerous peer-reviewed articles on these topics. He is a member of the Programme Committee for the annual NATO Conference on Cyber Conflict and an editor for the book series, Routledge Studies in Conflict, Security and Technology. He is a contributor to Forbes and CTOVision where he writes about technology and national security. He holds a Ph.D. in Science and Technology Studies from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, an MA in Arab Studies from Georgetown University, and a BA in History from California State University Stanislaus.

The Politics of Cyber Security Threats: Beyond Cyber - Doom Rhetoric

In this talk, Professor Lawson will outline his research into the variations and potential effects of cyber-doom rhetoric. He argues that cyber-doom rhetoric is the latest manifestation of longstanding fears of technology out-of-control in Western societies. He argues that the specific fears expressed in cyber-doom rhetoric are not only unrealistic, but may also be counterproductive for framing the way we think about the real cyber threats that we face. He offers a way forward beyond the use of cyber-doom rhetoric that is informed by an appreciation for the role language and rhetoric play in framing and responding to security threats. Professor Lawson is Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Utah. His research focuses on the relationships among science, technology, and national security.

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