Symbolic Communication and Cross-Domain Deterrence

Abstract New military technologies in space and cyberspace have led to an interest in cross-domain deterrence, the threat of one type of attack to deter an attack of a different type. However, fundamental questions remain unanswered. Previous studies do not explain why threats often default to in-domain or “in-kind” retaliations or why cross-domain threats often lack credibility. In this article, I argue that “in-kind” retaliation is essentially a symbolic act. In its resemblance or relationship to the original attack, it communicates its purpose as a retaliation for that attack. I also argue that cross-domain threats can sometimes be imbued with the same symbolic meaning and be redefined as an “in-kind” response, and I explore mechanisms through which this can be done.