One nation may be able to disrupt another's information infrastructure if that infrastructure is centralized and protected by firewalls, but not if it is dispersed and protected by redundancy. Another nation may be stymied by firewalls but operate more easily against networks. Information warfare capabilities do not exist in isolation. The deterrence value of information warfare echoes long-standing debates over submarines and battleships. Submarine advocates argue that this weapon is more cost-effective for critical missions.
Battleship advocates counter that navies have traditionally been built to demonstrate presence.
A grey hulking monster offshore was more likely to strike fear into those onshore than would a submarine lurking silent and deep. Here warfighting capability and deterrent effect could differ. If a submarine, then substituting invisible force for a visibly fearsome one lacks persuasiveness, regardless of what it may ultimately contribute to warfighting. Information dominance may need to be made visible. Voodoo is proof of the power of magic to paralyze the human will.