RESISTANT OFFENSIVE CYBERWAR

Direct military engagement includes methods aimed at disabling or destroying hegemonic cyberwarfare devices. In the Chiapas conflict, the Mexican armed forces have relied on U.S. supplied satellite guided helicopters and other forms of aerial surveillance and reconnaissance. An example of EZLN combatants engaging in Offensive Counterhegemonic Cyberwar would be the use of surface-to-air weaponry capable to shoot down these helicopters and planes.

Indirect military engagements, those occurring outside of the theater of war includes acts of sabotage aimed at disabling or destroying communication and computer equipment necessary for the functioning of the automated battlefield. Such equipment includes radar stations and other communication hardware. Computer equipment does not necessarily need to be impaired with traditional methods of explosion. Rather, electromagnetic blasts can severely impact computer systems.

The Zapatistas, or any insurgent force with a similar level of technological and financial capital, has an extreme disadvantage in this area. It is highly unlikely that the EZLN combatants have any kind of surface-to-air missiles to shoot down satellite guided helicopters and planes, nor the technological capability of manifesting electromagnetic blasts aimed at Mexican armed forces computer systems.

To fight against hegemonic cyberwar technology insurgent groups in Mexico or other developing countries will probably have the best chance of success by engaging in surreptitious assaults on communication infrastructure outside of the battlefield theater, or engaging in other forms of cyberwar sabotage - or cybertage.