Cyber Diplomacy Research Articles

Cyber Diplomacy during the Biden Administration and Future Prospects

The Biden administration has placed a high priority on cybersecurity and cyber diplomacy during its tenure. This paper delves deeply into the Biden administration's various efforts in the realm of cyber diplomacy, aiming to forge cyber alliances guided by cybersecurity strategy and the concept of small multilateralism. The Biden administration seeks to leverage cyber diplomacy to repair relationships with traditional allies while also strengthening cooperation with emerging market countries, thereby maintaining and enhancing the United States' leadership in global cyber policy. The paper also analyzes the main challenges faced by the Biden administration, including rapidly advancing technology, domestic and international political factors, and competition with global adversaries. Finally, the paper evaluates the current effectiveness of the Biden administration's cyber diplomacy, noting some achievements while arguing that the U.S. cyber diplomacy strategy will need further adjustments and optimizations to address the continuously changing global political and economic landscape.

CHINA'S ECONOMIC CYBER STRATEGY IN FACING ECONOMIC CYBER THREATS 2020 - 2023

Digital technology has succeeded in making it easier for a country to analyse data, development, improvement of a performance or product which is then included in a network. These advances in digital technology also have a risk impact on security issues. This research examines the cybereconomic strategy applied by China in dealing with the threat of economic cybers between 2020 and 2023. With the rapid growth of information technology, China faces significant challenges in ensuring its economic cybersecurity. This research analyses the steps taken by the Chinese government to address economic cyber threats, including increased regulation, investment in cybersecurity, and cyber diplomacy efforts. In this study the researcher uses a qualitative method. Qualitative method is a research or observational procedure that produces descriptive data that emphasizes the concept of a problem in research. The findings suggest that China has adopted a comprehensive and proactive approach to protecting its economic cybersecurity, although it still faces significant challenges. The implication of this research is the importance of technological innovation in overcoming economic cyber threats in the era of digital globalization.

Navigating Cyber Diplomacy in the Governance of Emerging AI Technologies: Lessons from Transatlantic Cooperation

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology presents vast transformative possibilities across various sectors, encompassing economic, industrial, social, political, intelligence, and military realms. Consequently, governing the development and deployment of AI has garnered significant attention not only from policymakers and decision-makers but also from the general public. Given AI's potential to shape state power and its dual strategic applications, the governance of AI has become an integral part of global discussions, falling under the purview of cyber diplomacy. This article delineates key issues surrounding AI governance, discusses the evolving role of the EU as a normative force in this arena, and underscores the importance of transatlantic collaboration amid broader global technological competitions.

Navigating Cyber Diplomacy in the Governance of Emerging AI Technologies: Lessons from Transatlantic Cooperation

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology presents vast transformative possibilities across various sectors, encompassing economic, industrial, social, political, intelligence, and military realms. Consequently, governing the development and deployment of AI has garnered significant attention not only from policymakers and decision-makers but also from the general public. Given AI's potential to shape state power and its dual strategic applications, the governance of AI has become an integral part of global discussions, falling under the purview of cyber diplomacy. This article delineates key issues surrounding AI governance, discusses the evolving role of the EU as a normative force in this arena, and underscores the importance of transatlantic collaboration amid broader global technological competitions.

Future-proofing the people? A comparative analysis of data sovereignty as a discursive practice in Western European right-wing populism’s digital policies

This paper examines the concept of data sovereignty as a discursive practice in light of the populist idea of popular sovereignty and analyzes the digital policies of Western European right-wing populist parties (WEPs). It argues that WEPs use popular sovereignty and data sovereignty in a similar way: as discursive tools to legitimize drawing power back to the national level (with divergent and often contradictory interpretations), rather than workable foundations for policy plans. The paper also discusses how international cooperation, which populists often reject, is a useful tool to achieve data sovereignty. With this contradiction in mind, the paper develops an agent-based typology of data sovereignty as a discursive practice. It then analyzes the most recent official electoral programs of several WEPs: AfD in Germany, PVV and FvD in the Netherlands, UKIP in the UK, Vlaams Belang in Belgium, and Rassemblement National in France. It uses a comparative policy analysis to compare the cases along several data points such as the proposed roles of governments, private companies, and cyber diplomacy. Most of the WEPs under discussion see data sovereignty as synonymous with individual privacy, do not acknowledge the role of international cooperation, and use digital policy as a means of reinforcing their image as challenger parties.

A Cyber Diplomacy Framework for Promoting Global Cybersecurity Norms and Cooperation.

A Cyber Diplomacy Framework for Promoting Global Cybersecurity Norms and Cooperation.

The pervasive informality of the international cybersecurity regime: Geopolitics, non-state actors and diplomacy

ABSTRACT The international cybersecurity regime typifies the rise of informality in modern global governance. Despite the increase in sophisticated cyber operations globally, states do not embrace formal multilateral cooperation to prevent and mitigate them. What explains the preference for informal governance in international cybersecurity, and why have non-binding agreements around “responsible behaviour” proliferated in this domain? In introducing a special issue that highlights various dimensions of informal international cybersecurity governance, this article analyses two major factors that deepen informality: multipolar geopolitics, which has made formal cooperation difficult, and the rise of non-state actors, whose technical standards not only emerge as de facto governance standards, but who have also engaged in cyber diplomacy through informal channels. Drawing on recent scholarship that explains the emergence of informality in global governance, the article calls for greater attention to be paid to the substantive outcomes of informal institutions to understand their stickiness in regimes.

More bark than bite? European digital sovereignty discourse and changes to the European Union’s external relations policy

ABSTRACT Despite the allure of ‘European digital sovereignty’ as an official European Union (EU) strategic objective, it remains unclear whether this discourse has driven concrete changes to EU external action policies, particularly those leveraging cyber instruments. This question is explored vis-à-vis three policies which have enabled the EU to pursue its digital sovereignty objectives in practice: the Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox, external capacity building (CCB) assistance initiatives, and the 5G Toolbox. Drawing upon extensive archival research and elite interviews, the paper finds that, while European digital sovereignty discourse influenced comprehensive changes for the 5G Toolbox process, it failed to drive policy changes to the Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox and external CCB assistance initiatives. To explore this variation, the paper considers institutional and ideational factors particular to EU external action over the 2017–2022 period. Overall, the study contributes both to contemporary debates about European digital sovereignty and its relationship to EU cyber instruments and longstanding work on EU foreign policymaking.

Efforts to Enhance Australia's Cyber Security by Developing of a Partnership with Indonesia in the Field of Cyber Diplomacy

This article examines the Australian government's endeavors to enhance cybersecurity by means of cyber diplomacy with Indonesia. This article utilizes qualitative descriptive methodologies. The data sources utilized encompass scholarly publications, books, research reports, and electronic media pertaining to the research topic. This article will examine the use of Australia's cyber diplomacy with Indonesia by utilizing the principles of cybersecurity and cyber diplomacy to enhance the robustness of cybersecurity. Australia engages in cyber diplomacy with Indonesia to enhance cybersecurity, based on the principle of international cooperation in this field. Australia implements a capacity building strategy, aligned with its 2017 International Cyber Engagement Strategy policy, to fortify Indonesia's cybersecurity. This endeavor will also contribute to the enhancement of Australia's own cybersecurity, given the interconnected nature of cyber threats. Australia's efforts to enhance Indonesia's capabilities are implemented through various collaborative initiatives, specifically the Cyber Policy Dialogue and Cyber Bootcamp programs. Examining this research is intriguing because to the involvement of Australia and Indonesia in cyber warfare, as well as their recent efforts to re-establish cyber-related diplomacy.

Cyber Surveillance and Privacy Issues vis-à-vis International Law

The ‘Big Brother is Watching’, is now a trend that is prevalent in the society where the unregulated and unfiltered monitoring of data and interception has led to interference with the privacy rights of the individuals. The background to the concept may not be expressly seen in text but the context of privacy be protected can be seen in legal instruments such as United Nations Declaration on Human Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Though, the legal jurisprudence has also taken sides for placing community interest over individual interest but has often been deficient in providing objective reasonings and justifications. When the privacy and the human rights are interfered with, no one but the State should own the responsibility. The contours of this responsibility have been circumscribed by the existing international legal instruments, but their effectiveness is compromised because of their non-binding characteristics. The paper outlines the importance of regulating mass surveillance, secret surveillance, cyber espionage, cyber attacks etc. and has facilitated a discussion of establishing a pattern of standardized norms in line with human rights obligations catalyzed by cyber diplomacy, which can easily be adopted by States. The paper is Analytical and descriptive in nature. The question will always be debatable when it comes to States exercising their right of surveillance for maintaining law and order and upholding the security of the nation being violative of individual rights. So, whether the States are able to strike a balance between State authority and Fundamental rights of the individuals? Whether the proportionality that is exhibited is justifiable? The uncontrollable parasitic attack on digital communications, without reasonable suspicion is excessive, arbitrary and abusive. There is a need not only for a structured legal framework but also procedural safeguards, oversight mechanisms and redressal forums.

Is Cyber Diplomacy Essential in the Present Perspective?

It is now obvious that cyber space is the last frontier of man’s research and relevant activities to empirically learn about its multi-dimensionality and its immensely huge prospect. The quest is certainly increasing each passing day. The meteoric development of information technology together with scientific development has tremendously helped to push ahead its advance in recent decades, and in particular, the advanced and developed countries of the world have steadily made their efforts in carrying out their preferred activities and to know about what lies in the future for humanity on the earth. They have, at their disposal, human resources, capital resources, and material resources with compatible managerial skills to move on toward what they have projected as their goals for their countries and citizens. As cyber space has drawn the attention of the people around the world, it has emerged as the common concern of humanity. In reality, it has touched upon human activities mainly related with scientific, technological and socio-economic domains. Naturally, diplomatic activities that regulate and act on state-to-state and government-to government relations could not remain exempt, and nor touched upon as human security, and social and economic security are closely linked together. The human security and human welfare are closely related with activities in the cyber space. As a consequence, diplomacy connected with the cyber space has now come up as an unavoidable activity, not alone in technologically advanced countries but even in all the countries of the world as humans have to live and work in their respective territorial domains. Cyber space is the common concern of all the mankind. Hence, a pressing need for cyber diplomacy is essentially felt to have its own traction that can ensure amicable and friendly relations among all independent and sovereign countries of the world. A globally acceptable convention and practice of cyber diplomacy is also required to regulate its handlings and relevant activities. This piece tries to show how cyber diplomacy has come to occupy an iconic status in diplomatic ventures worldwide with its importance growing rapidly as pushed by information technology.

The Philosophy of Cyber Diplomacy. How Does Society Mitigate Cyber Conflict Through Cyber Diplomacy?

The Philosophy of Cyber Diplomacy. How Does Society Mitigate Cyber Conflict Through Cyber Diplomacy?

Cyber Diplomacy and International Cooperation: Building Resilience in the Digital Age

Cyber Diplomacy and International Cooperation: Building Resilience in the Digital Age

On the Growing Transformational Role of AI Technologies for the Future Cyber Diplomacy in the Post-Information Age

On the Growing Transformational Role of AI Technologies for the Future Cyber Diplomacy in the Post-Information Age

Comparative Analysis on Cyber Diplomacy in EU and US

Comparative Analysis on Cyber Diplomacy in EU and US

Analysis of Cyber Diplomacy and its Challenges for the Digital Era Community

This paper looks at digital strategy and what it can do to promote a peaceful global local area in the age of computers. Cyberspace holds a key position and particular relevance in international affairs. This subject has gained popularity as most international entertainers have developed their global strategy and implemented various tactics to pursue their primary goals online. For instance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' use of social media to promote the country, its policies, and its ideals are clear evidence of this. Unfortunately, not all online activities are calm. China and the US are at odds over cyber security, and two groupings of countries are vying for control of the field internationally. Because of this conflict of interest between the countries, cyber diplomacy is required to arbitrate and prevent open cyber war. Cyber diplomacy is an international practice that results from efforts to create an international cyber community by connecting the national interests of nations with the dynamics of the global community. To fulfill the traditional duties of diplomacy in cyberspace, such as promoting trust and peace among stakeholders, cyber diplomacy is to do so. This paper uses English School diplomacy theory to analyze the potential of cyber diplomacy for peaceful cyberspace use. Digital tact consists of two main components: an effort to prevent internet deterioration and a globally coordinated apparatus for creating common digital standards.

Evaluating Cybersecurity Capacity Building of ASEAN Plus Three through Social Network Analysis

The strategic rivalry between the United States and China is out in full swing in Southeast Asia. As the result, ASEAN is emerging both as a key player as well as a playground for pivotal global and regional actors. South Korea, Japan, and China known as ASEAN Plus Three, have strong economic, political, and technological ties with the region, and have leveraged their cyber capabilities to compete for influence in the region. This study evaluates the relative performances of the Plus Three’ cyber outreach efforts to the region by visualizing the complex web of actors and cyber cooperation and assistance activities with network analysis tools and open-source databases. We quantitatively analyze national cyber security cooperation of ASEAN including South Korea, Japan, and China through capacity building indicators and social network methodology. This study (1) analyzes cybersecurity cooperation in ASEAN Plus Three, (2) explores factors that influence cooperation, and (3) lays out a quantitative basis for establishing national information policy and cybersecurity strategy. We find that the Plus Three, despite the outward similarity in their respective regional strategies, are a study of contrasts, with one of them emerging as an influential yet silent power in the regional cyber diplomacy domain.

Cyber Diplomacy (A Perspective From Indonesia - Australia Cyber Cooperation)

To address the increasing cyber threats, Indonesia is attempting to develop its cyber capabilities, one of which is collaboration with Australia. In practicing cyber diplomacy, the two countries employ different diplomatic models. Indonesia conducts cyber diplomacy through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN), whereas Australia conducts it through its cyber ambassador. This research will investigate how the Indonesian and Australian cyber diplomacy models work in cyber diplomacy using a descriptive-analytic approach. Based on the research results, even though Indonesia already has BSSN as the leading cybersecurity sector, Indonesia's foreign policy continues to emphasize the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the leading sector of foreign policy diplomacy. including dialogue or bilateral collaboration with other countries in the sphere of cybersecurity. This, of course, extends the coordinating framework for carrying out cyber cooperation. As a result, efforts by the Indonesian government are required to develop more effective cyber diplomacy policies in order to enhance Indonesia's cyber capabilities.

The Imperative of Cyber Diplomacy and Cybersecurity in Africa: A New Means to a ‘Borderless’ Regional End?

The Imperative of Cyber Diplomacy and Cybersecurity in Africa: A New Means to a ‘Borderless’ Regional End?

President Obama and China: cyber diplomacy and strategy for a new era

ABSTRACT President Obama was a cyber president. He understood the importance of cybersecurity and its implications for national security. Cyber issues were a major focus of Sino-US relations during his time in office. There was, however, a notable shift in the approach that the US took in its engagement in cyber diplomacy with China between Obama’s first (2009–2012) and second terms (2013–2016). It is important to understand why this shift occurred. Examining Sino-US cyber diplomacy in isolation will not provide the answers. There is a need to understand the broader context of Sino-US relations and what was occurring in more traditional diplomacy to get a more complete picture of the situation, particularly the impact of the pivot that occurred in late 2011. Despite the complexities of modern international relations and the difficulties of integrating cyber strategy and policy with broader Grand Strategy, it is important to examine how this was done. Analysing the example of Sino-US relations during Obama’s time in office demonstrates some important lessons for how cyber diplomacy cannot be isolated from the broader diplomatic context of a relationship, but needs to be analysed in the context of its integration into broader Grand Strategy.