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This thesis examines how Julian Corbett’s maritime strategy can be applied

to understand cyber warfare, using the 2022 Russian cyberattack on the

Viasat satellite network as a case study. While traditional analyses often rely

on Clausewitzian concepts of decisive battle and dominance, this study

focuses on control as a temporary and functional influence within the cyber

domain. Through counterfactual analysis informed by process tracing, the

study compares the actual operation with a Corbett-inspired alternative. The

results suggest that the attack failed strategically due to its lack of domain

integration and overambitious targeting. Corbett’s concepts are shown to

offer valuable insights into cyber strategy. The study also illustrates how

counterfactual analysis can be used to explore strategic effectiveness beyond

empirical outcomes.