In a world of cyber threats, hopes are rising for new forms of peace—provided we use technology responsibly.
By Bert Breij
When we think of war, we still often picture tanks rolling, soldiers advancing, destroyed cities, and fleeing civilians. But today, many conflicts have shifted to a different battlefield: the digital domain. Instead of physical bombings, lines of code are now used to pressure nations. Hackers infiltrate government networks, banks, and hospitals. Bots spread disinformation across social media. Even elections are influenced by invisible digital campaigns.
This raises the question: has the world become safer? Is the chance for peace greater now that many wars are fought digitally? The answer is complicated. On one hand, cyberattacks usually cause fewer deaths than traditional warfare. On the other hand, digital conflicts come with unique risks. Because perpetrators are often hard to identify, misunderstandings and retaliation can escalate quickly. And as societies become more dependent on digital systems, their vulnerability to sabotage increases.
Still, the digital world also offers hopeful opportunities for peace — if we handle it wisely. Technology doesn’t have to be a weapon; it can also be a tool for cooperation, transparency, and conflict prevention.
Smarter Signaling, Faster Intervention
One major opportunity lies in early detection of threats. Artificial intelligence (AI), satellite imagery, and global data analysis make it possible to spot tensions sooner. Satellite data can reveal mass troop movements, algorithms can detect suspicious financial flows related to arms deals, and cyber intrusions can be intercepted at an early stage. International organizations such as the United Nations or OSCE can use this technology to intervene earlier, preventing conflicts before they escalate. Preventive diplomacy becomes more effective.
Transparency as a Basis for Trust
Another opportunity lies in transparency. Traditional arms control agreements often fail due to mutual distrust: is the other side really following the rules? Digital technology can break this deadlock. Real-time monitoring of nuclear sites, automated inspections of arms depots, and shared digital control systems make agreements more verifiable. Objective, shared data helps build trust between rivals. Technology removes part of the uncertainty.
Direct Communication Prevents Escalation
In times of crisis, digital technology can also make a difference. Instead of relying on slow diplomatic channels, leaders, diplomats, and military officials can now communicate directly through secure digital lines. During the Cold War, there was the famous ‘red phone’ between Washington and Moscow. Today, faster, multi-level digital networks can reduce misunderstandings and prevent escalation.
Rules for Cyber Conflicts
Worldwide, efforts are being made to develop norms and rules for cyber warfare. Just as the laws of war protect certain civilian targets, discussions are now underway to ban attacks on civilian infrastructure in cyberspace. The Tallinn Manual, written by international legal experts, is an important first step. Though disagreements remain, the fact that these talks are happening is already progress. A digital law of war is slowly emerging.
A Peace Infrastructure for the 21st Century
Perhaps the most beautiful opportunity lies not in avoiding war, but in addressing its root causes. Digital cooperation can help ensure food security, climate adaptation, healthcare, and disaster response. AI systems can predict droughts, floods, or food shortages. Sharing this information internationally allows nations to act before local crises turn into global tensions. This creates what we might call a global digital peace infrastructure.
Security Through Collective Resilience
Cybersecurity collaboration itself offers opportunities. When countries help each other strengthen digital resilience — as seen in NATO or the European Union — the risk of surprise attacks diminishes. A resilient society feels less threatened and is therefore less likely to strike preemptively. Stability grows when vulnerabilities are addressed collectively.
Peace as an Active Project
Ultimately, peace in the digital world is not automatic. Digital tools can serve both war and peace. It’s up to us, as a global community, to give direction. Peace 2.0 requires cooperation, transparency, and a shared understanding that our digital interdependence has never been greater.
In times when nationalism and distrust are resurfacing, technology also offers ways to connect people across borders. Through knowledge-sharing platforms, international research projects, and global digital citizen dialogues, we can build trust. Technology can be a bridge, not a wall — but only if we choose to make it one
