Modern revolutionized world of networks and information put global security and stability at huge risks. In the 21st century evolution of cyber space facilitates the exchange, store and exploitation of information using different emerging technologies, but it also increases the uncertain threats and risks associated with security. Consequently, globalization and digitization also bring major challenges to the world that were never experienced before. With development in technology there is significant rise in range of cyber-crimes, states sponsored cyber-attacks, cyber terrorism and cyber espionage. There was a report that was published by statisca.com in December 2022 that among all the internet users 39% suffered cyber-attacks. India and then United States of America are most who suffered these attacks.
Why are threats associated with cyberspace continuously increasing? Firstly, today internet is basis of everything, i.e., communication, healthcare, education, entertainment etc. so making every sector of society vulnerable to cyber-attack. Secondly, ICT is also basis of every technology that individuals or companies use or manufacture, so all applications of ICT are susceptible to different types of cyber-attacks. Nowadays, vast amounts of information of individuals and organization can be reduced to data that can be easily stored. Sensitive information can easily be extracted by hackers for profit purposes, or it can be utilized for criminal motives. So, it is not possible to estimate all the threats and fears attached to cyberspace because it is itself very complicated and deeply internalized in our lives.
Today states are direly trying to get precedence over each other in cyberworld. In addition, states are themselves victims of these cyberattacks as well and these cyber-attacks cost them much more than estimate. State sponsored cyber-attacks are launched by disrupting the communication systems, propaganda and disinformation campaigns, damaging the critical infrastructure or jamming the military infrastructures during wars and conflict. These attacks can be launched either by other states or non-state actors or individuals. Today, cyberspace is deeply politicized by cyber actors so there is need of cooperation and negotiation to develop responsible cyber behavior.
Resolving the conflict related to cyber space at state level by cooperation, negotiation and collective actions is called cyber diplomacy. Cyber diplomacy also needs the cooperation and collective actions of individuals, societies and organizations as well. Cyber diplomacy can be practiced in different multilateral forums through country’s diplomat or representative. In cyber diplomacy we should prefer international organizations like UN that support cooperation and non-governmental organizations like different human rights bodies for developing the responsible policies for managing cyberspace. It should include different non-state actors as well in their discussions and decision making such tech entrepreneurs, leaders, civil society members to consider all possible aspects before decision. Through cooperation in training, education and assistance states will develop the capacities to cope with the challenges in cyber space.
Cyber diplomacy is an emerging field in international relations. Cyber actions are now becoming normal means of threatening states in global world. Furthermore, cyber actions impose huge costs on conventional or physical space in terms of attacks. At present there is no predictability and measurability of the extent of cyber power state hold. In Cyber diplomacy states should negotiate on some norms and rules to reduce the risk of conflict and insecurity between states pertaining to each other’s cyber power. States should develop a legal framework to address the challenges in cyber space.
Now cyber studies have deeply internalized into international relations and cyber diplomacy is one of the emerging disciplines of the present days. Different countries has announced their official bodies in their government structure to handle cyber affairs such as Cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency in USA which is responsible for the safety of the state’s critical infrastructure etc. Likewise, there are many other states such as China, Japan, UK, that developed cyber capabilities, officially recognized their cyber and digital policies and playing active role in cyber diplomacy through bilateral and multilateral agreements. Different IOs has recognized universal legislative measures for regulating the cyber space such as UN central forum for cyber norm and its specialized agency on cyber security, NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defense Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) in Estonia, Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy in ASEAN and Cyber confidence building measures in OSCE etc.
In conclusion, Cyberspaces bring new challenges and opportunities for the international community. It revolutionized the technology and economy of the globe, but it also risks its security and stability. To deal with challenges in cyber space the subject of cyber diplomacy emerges. Cyber diplomacy’s role is instrumental in managing the threats and risks to states associated with cyber space. Different states are engaging in bilateral and multilateral agreements in developing cyber plans and policies. In addition to this, non-state actors such tech entrepreneurs, leaders, civil society members should also be encouraged in discussing the cyber plans and policies. Cooperation of cyber actors in training, education and assistance will develop responsible attitude, assure safe cyber stability and secure digital future.
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