Description
The war in Ukraine is the first case of total war after the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This paper explores how new technologies are used by Ukraine to mobilise society and the economy, how they are transforming the relationship between people and the political economy, and imposed new risks for civil society.
Firstly, civilians can operate as a bridge between sensors and shooters with the use of apps and engage private surveillance to feed to the army networks. The main reason for the employment of the “crowd-sourced civilian sensor-network” is the mass use of drones in the conflict. Similarly, intensified cyber warfare relies upon the private sector and volunteers. Secondly, Ukraine’s domestic market is reliant on global supply chains, instant communication, and satellites. Tech giants have gained considerable political power in the conflict. The outcomes of war are becoming increasingly reliant on private/internal and external actors.
Russia’s 2022 invasion forced Ukraine to mobilise its society and economy for resistance. Hyper-connectivity between civilians and the army, as well as between Ukraine and global supply chains has far-reaching consequences in the context of conflict. On the one hand, it blurs the distinction between civilians and combatants, on the other hand, it undermines the core responsibility of the state, that is to protect citizens, by reducing control over the production of the war machine.
