Rethinking cyber security: The case of Stuxnet

The aim of this thesis is to make a constructivist critical evaluation of cyber security in the context of anarchy and international law. Nowadays, cybersecurity is considered a state-centered security problem by realism and liberalism, which are the mainstream theories of international relations. In this thesis, it is claimed that in the context of cyber security, cyber space should not be considered as a self-appointed state-centered entity, but rather a social structure. The main research question of the thesis is to what extent anarchy is inherent to the international system, with regard to cyber security. In this context, the concept of anarchy will be evaluated to understand international law and cyber security. In this thesis consisting of five chapters, general information will be given in the introduction. In the second part, anarchy, the subject of anarchy and its importance for Stuxnet will be discussed. Realism, liberalism and constructivism's approach to anarchy will be explained. In the third part, international law, the process of international law until today and why it is important in ensuring cyber security will be explained. In the fourth part, the definition of cyber and the structure of the cyber world will be mentioned, and then the Stuxnet attack against Iran in 2010 will be explained to the reader. In the conclusion part, general evaluation and solution suggestions will be presented.