A Conceptional Broadening of the Security Order in the Indo-Pacific: The Role of EU-Japan Cooperation in ICT and Cybersecurity

Abstract

This article argues that the focus of the still nascent Indo-Pacific “security order” should be extended from traditional, predominantly maritime, security concerns to include information and cybersecurity. This reflects the growing awareness that the global and regional security order is increasingly undermined by information technology and an AI duopoly. Therefore, it is necessary to broaden the concept “security order” to “cyber security order” with the aim of defending and strengthen a liberal order through cooperation in joint investment, technology exchange, and capacity building. Japan and Europe, which have long been strong defenders of international norms, have both broadened their security focus to include the Indo-Pacific, having recognized the gradual political shift towards this region. Their shared concern is that information and communication technology (ICT) can be used by governments and major technology companies to undermine democratic principles. Through several joint agreements the EU and Japan have not only deepened their mutual strategic cooperation, but they consider the protection of a free and open cyber security order in the Indo-Pacific as their joint endeavour.