Introduction:
Over the past two years, US-Russia relations have deteriorated due to disagreements on a number of topics: Russian intervention in Ukraine, control over the Arctic, counter-ISIS strategy in Syria/support for Syrian dictator Assad, and the suspicious/frequent attempted assassinations of Russian dissidents. This week, the U.S. military officials insinuated that Russia is supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan.
However, the most aggressive act was Russian interference in the U.S. election.
Similar to the the Cold War, Russia and the U.S. do not want a direct military confrontation. A number of actions have complicated the definition of peace. Cyber activity is an extension of military action.
Questions:
Is a cyber attack an act of war? What role should the international community (alliances or international organizations) play in monitoring cyber attacks?
What role should the U.S. Congress play in approving cyber attacks against nation-states or non-state actors?
Aside from U.S. interference in the election, what is the most conflict-prone issue threatening U.S.- Russia relations?