Economic espionage as a new form of war in the post cold-war period

Abstract

Having long remained in a state offixation over the Cold-War rivalry, states have slowly begun to readjust themselves in the face of changing world realities. The most pressing aspect of that reality has emerged as fierce competition over non-traditional sources of power, may that be economics, technology or information. Economic espionage, thus, emerged as a useful and easy tool for those who would otherwise not have access to such sources. In an attempt to provide a comprehensive understanding of this newfound concept, this study examines the meaning, conditions, targets, methods, perpetrators, adverse effects of economic espionage before completing with a succinct analysis on preventive measures. It concludes by stating that the question of whether economic espionage would actually succeed as a national strategy for competitiveness is open to debate, but it would certainly cause further tensions among states, may be conflict in the international system.