The Importance of Quantum Computing for National Security: An Examination of the Strategic Implications of Quantum Information

Abstract

The psychological, sociological, and legal dimensions of anarchy are the foundations of the security dilemma. To protect themselves, states develop their offensive and defensive capabilities that impact the balance of power whenever one of the two has the advantage. The architecture of cyberspace, the dependency of societies on cyberspace, and the relative utility of cyber operations as means to achieve strategic ends favour the offence in cyberspace. Quantum information science provides asymmetric qualitative advantages to the nations with sufficiently developed capabilities in benefit of the offensive advantage deepening the destabilising effects of cyberspace for global peace.