Digital Dictatorship: The Psychological Impact of State-Sponsored Cyberattacks on Gulf Corporation Council Dissidents

Abstract
This dissertation presents a critical examination of the psychological repercussions of state-sponsored cyberattacks on dissidents within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states with a specific focus on the deployment of advanced spyware such as Pegasus. This study addresses several critical research questions: What are the specific psychological consequences of such attacks on dissidents, and how do they manifest in their daily lives? How does the persistent threat of surveillance contribute to anxiety, paranoia, or other psychological distress? Furthermore, how do these cyberattacks affect victims' trust in digital infrastructure, leading to self-censorship? The research also investigates how technical mechanisms, such as zero-click exploits, amplify feelings of vulnerability and powerlessness. Finally, it critically examines the legal landscape surrounding these attacks, assessing the efficacy of current policies and avenues for victim recourse.
A mixed-methods research design was employed to address these questions, integrating quantitative, qualitative, technical, and legal analyses. Quantitative data were derived from structured questionnaires administered to 16 participants, utilizing the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) to assess trauma symptomatology. These data were supplemented by in-depth qualitative interviews exploring the lived experiences of targeted individuals. The empirical investigation was supported by a technical deconstruction of Pegasus spyware and a critical review of relevant legal frameworks.
The findings reveal pervasive psychological distress among dissidents, including chronic stress and social isolation. The technical analysis confirms that the covert nature of zero-click exploits is a primary contributor to victims' sense of powerlessness. The legal analysis identifies a significant accountability void, with existing policies proving inadequate for protecting individuals or providing effective recourse. This research underscores the urgent imperative for comprehensive policy reforms, including stricter regulation of surveillance technologies and the establishment of robust international legal norms to ensure state accountability and safeguard human rights in the digital era.