The Cyber Statecraft Initiative works at the nexus of geopolitics, technology, and security to craft strategies to help shape the conduct of statecraft and to better inform and secure users. This work extends through the competition of state and non-state actors, the security of the internet and computing systems, the safety of operational technology and physical systems, and the communities of cyberspace. The Initiative convenes a diverse network of passionate and knowledgeable contributors, bridging the gap among technical, policy, and user communities.

Our work

The Atlantic Council Technology Programs comprises five existing efforts—the Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab), the GeoTech Center, the Cyber Statecraft Initiative, the Democracy + Tech Initiative, and the Capacity Building Initiative. These operations work together to address the geopolitical implications of technology and provide policymakers and global stakeholders necessary research, insights, and convenings to address challenges around global technology and ensure its responsible advancement.

Team

Fellows

Publications

New Atlanticist

Sep 11, 2020

India’s growing hostility towards Chinese technology shifts landscape of US-China data and cloud competition

By Justin Sherman and Lily Liu

US and Chinese tech companies, including in the cloud computing space, are competing for users within India. As the Indian government’s relations with Beijing change, so too does the landscape of this technological battleground.

China Cybersecurity

Report

Aug 31, 2020

Four myths about the cloud: The geopolitics of cloud computing

By Trey Herr

Cloud computing providers are more than companies—they govern vast utility infrastructure, play host to digital battlefields, and are magnificent engines of complexity. Cloud computing is embedded in contemporary geopolitics; the choices providers make are influenced by, and influential on, the behavior of states. In competition and cooperation, cloud computing is the canvas on which states conduct significant political, security, and economic activity.

Cybersecurity Internet

In the News

Aug 21, 2020

Sherman in The Diplomat: Kashmir internet shutdown continues, despite Supreme Court ruling

India has the potential to be a global leader in promoting democratic technology norms, but instead it leads the way with internet shutdowns.

India Technology & Innovation

Cyber 9/12 Project

Aug 20, 2020

Washington, DC Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge Playbook

A Disaster to Entertain Poseidon and Ruin Christmas Scenario Summary Intelligence Report I Intelligence Report I Recommendations Intelligence Report II Intelligence Report II Recommendations Intelligence Report III Intelligence Report III Briefings Intelligence Report III Recommendations Scenario Summary This scenario takes place from October – December of 2022 and focuses on maritime cybersecurity and how non-state […]

Cybersecurity

In the News

Aug 14, 2020

Handler in Lawfare: Normalizing Arab-Israeli Relations Through Cybersecurity Cooperation

By Atlantic Council

This diplomatic rekindling between Israel and the Arab world offers an opportunity for the United States to establish a regional cybersecurity cooperation center dedicated to the protection of critical infrastructure.

Cybersecurity Iran

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Aug 13, 2020

Russia uses US data policy shortfalls to justify campaign against internet freedom

By Justin Sherman

A transcript of the meeting between Putin and his internet regulator shows, unsurprisingly, that the Kremlin continues using its rubber-stamped laws to justify internet censorship and control. But it also demonstrated the Kremlin’s growing desire to undermine the Western-led open democratic internet model.

Cybersecurity Internet

New Atlanticist

Aug 7, 2020

Trump’s TikTok ban is bad policy

By Justin Sherman

There are real security questions to ask about Chinese government influence over technology companies; but the idea of broadly banning TikTok is a bad one that steps in the wrong direction on protecting a free and open internet.

China Cybersecurity

In-Depth Research & Reports

Aug 4, 2020

Alliance power for cybersecurity

By Kenneth Geers

There is only one internet, and cybersecurity is therefore an inherently international challenge that countries cannot tackle alone. Alliances like NATO and the EU give democratic countries a cyber edge over their authoritarian challengers.

Cybersecurity Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Jul 30, 2020

Sherman in WIRED: Don’t Be Fooled by Big Tech’s Anti-China Sideshow

China Internet

In the News

Jul 29, 2020

Jun interviewed on NK News about North Korea’s cyber activity

Cybersecurity Korea

The Atlantic Council’s Cyber Statecraft Initiative, part of the Atlantic Council Technology Programs, works at the nexus of geopolitics and cybersecurity to craft strategies to help shape the conduct of statecraft and to better inform and secure users of technology.

Licensing CSI Graphics

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