What are Russia's goals in cyberspace?

• A. Ensure digital transformation through open data.
• B. Isolate Russia from global networks.
• C. Expand influence, weaken the West, and reassert regional dominance.
• D. Suppress dissent by censorship only.

Answer: (C)

In cyberspace, states pursue strategic aims that go beyond pure technical feats and are about shaping power dynamics. Russia has treated cyberspace as a tool to expand influence, disrupt Western political cohesion, and reassert dominance in its region. This shows up in efforts to influence opinions, conduct espionage, and disrupt or degrade adversaries’ capabilities, all framed as pushing back against Western-led norms and institutions and reasserting its own leadership space. The other ideas describe activities that miss the larger strategic motive—openness and open data, complete isolation from global networks, or only internal censorship—while Russia’s cyber approach is about projecting power and shifting the balance of influence. That’s why this option best matches Russia’s goals in cyberspace.