Civilian and military information infrastructure and the control of the Russian segment of Internet

The Russian Federation is constructing the basis for national control of Internet. This paper provides an overview of the principles and practises of this project and, moreover, examines how Russia implements the concept of `the unified information space' in building the `national segment of Internet.' The main aim of this paper is to find answers to the question how Russia is preparing to protect and control its national networks. Specifically, it seeks answers to the question of how `the unified information space' is structured in civilian and military spheres based on the categories of infrastructure, services, and authorities responsible for creating, monitoring, and controlling this space. This paper argues, firstly, that the distinct Russian idea of `unified information space' affects the way it strives to shape cyberspace. Secondly, paper argues that although the national segment of Internet in Russia has been developed by private actors, it is increasingly subjected to centralized civilian and military control. Thirdly, this process is not just about censorship or the control of information, but has a definite military strategic character built into it. This paper provides new information on how Russia is preparing to protect and control its national segment of Internet and how this may change the military balance in cyberspace.