Information power and international security

Abstract

“Information power” has grown and will continue to grow, increasingly important as an element of national power in this age of globalization and the information revolution. This paper aims to describe this increasing role of information power. The information revolution has accelerated the pace of globalization and affects the distribution of power among international actors. Meanwhile, the power of non-state actors has been growing within the international community. This change has had a substantial impact on the power and security of nation-states. In particular, international terrorist groups are posing a serious threat to national security and international peace as the influence of such groups is enhanced by their use of information power. The international community must adopt a new strategy to combat terrorism by promoting international cooperation and its own effective use of information power. Although so-called “hard power” remains a major determinant in the dynamics of international relations, “soft power” of information in today’s information age is even more influential and effective. Information power is composed of both information technology and information content. The former is essential to increase military and economic power in the information age. The latter is used to form public opinion and determines public trust, perceived legitimacy, and overall appeal. Every nation must nurture its sources of information power to ensure national security in today’s globalized world. Although an in-depth study is required on the relationship between the targets of information power (such as the establishment of legitimacy) and the components of it such power (i.e. a dominant culture or value such as democracy), this paper offers an initial analysis of this relationship.