The control of the electromagnetic spectrum (EM) in the Geopolitics of the 21st century

In the era of the fourth industrial revolution and the proliferation of digital technologies, the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum has become as critical a strategic resource as physical territory or natural resources. Its use allows for everything from civilian communications to military defense systems, making it a primary target in contemporary conflicts. In the face of the rise of modern electronic warfare – which includes jamming, signal spying, digital spoofing and cyber-electronic attacks – States must develop comprehensive national strategies for the effective control, protection and management of the EM spectrum.

The first line of defense lies in the regulation and sovereign management of the spectrum. National telecommunications agencies should establish clear regulatory frameworks to assign, monitor and protect critical frequency bands, especially those used by essential infrastructure: defence, energy, transport and health. This management must not only be technical, but also geopolitical, anticipating deliberate interference from state or non-state actors.

At the same time, it is essential to invest in spectrum surveillance capabilities. Automated systems for detecting and geolocating unauthorized or anomalous emissions allow threats to be identified in real time. These capabilities, combined with artificial intelligence and big data analytics, strengthen the ability to respond to sabotage or electromagnetic espionage attempts, especially in sensitive areas such as borders, military bases or strategic urban centers.

The resilience of the armed forces in the face of electronic warfare requires the modernization of their communication, navigation and sensor systems. This includes the use of frequency-hopping technologies, robust encryption, directional antennas, and alternative navigation systems (such as those based on terrestrial or inertial networks) that reduce the exclusive reliance on GPS, which is vulnerable to interference. In addition, military doctrines must be developed that incorporate spectral concealment tactics and operations in degraded spectrum environments.

Inter-institutional cooperation is another fundamental pillar. The protection of the spectrum cannot be left only in the hands of the defense sector; It requires active coordination between ministries of defense, interior, science and technology, as well as with the private sector. Telecommunications companies, for example, have critical infrastructure that can be exploited for both defense and attack, so its integration into national cyber defense and electronic warfare plans is essential.

At the international level, States should actively participate in forums such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to defend their interests in the global allocation of spectrum and promote rules that limit offensive use of spectrum. Likewise, strategic alliances with allied countries allow for the sharing of intelligence on electromagnetic threats, the development of common protection standards and joint electronic warfare exercises.

The education and training of specialized human capital is a long-term investment. Telecommunications engineers, cybersecurity experts, and electronic warfare operators must be trained in universities and national centers of excellence, with programs aligned with the needs of defense and technological sovereignty. Without this talent, no strategy will be sustainable.

In addition, an industrial policy is required that encourages the national development of critical electronic components and systems. Reliance on foreign suppliers on sensitive hardware—such as chips, antennas, or radar systems—represents a strategic vulnerability. Technological sovereignty in the field of the EM spectrum involves the ability to design, manufacture and maintain the technologies that use it internally.

Public awareness and civil preparedness are also key components. In a hybrid conflict scenario, people need to understand the risks associated with spectrum manipulation – such as the spread of disinformation through false signals or the disruption of essential services – and know how to act. This involves educational campaigns and emergency protocols coordinated between government and society.

Finally, the control and protection of the electromagnetic spectrum in the face of modern electronic warfare requires a multidimensional approach, combining regulation, technology, cooperation, training and industrial sovereignty. Only through a coherent and anticipatory national strategy will states be able to preserve their security, critical infrastructure and autonomy in an environment where the battle is no longer fought only in the physical field, but also on the invisible airwaves that connect our world.