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

In the News

Feb 1, 2022

Handler in Middle East Policy: Middle East cyber security—Threats and opportunities

By Atlantic Council

Simon Handler overviews of the state of cybersecurity in the Middle East and what the implications are for the security of US interests.

Conflict Cybersecurity

New Atlanticist

Jan 31, 2022

Cord-cutting, Russian style: Could the Kremlin sever global internet cables?

By Justin Sherman

Moscow knows that information is vital in a crisis—and that controlling or entirely disrupting its flow can provide important strategic advantages.

Conflict Eastern Europe

Issue Brief

Jan 31, 2022

What do we know about cyber operations during militarized crises?

By Michael Fischerkeller

This essay focuses on how cyber operations employed during militarized crises are likely to impact escalation management. Cyber operations intended as offramps in a crisis could have an outcome opposite than that intended. Given the absence of direct experience, policymakers must critically examine assumptions and claims that cyber operations can serve as de-escalatory crisis offramps.

Cybersecurity

Report

Jan 25, 2022

Cybersecurity for innovative small and medium enterprises and academia

By Franklin D. Kramer, Melanie J. Teplinsky, and Robert J. Butler

Innovation is fundamental to United States global leadership, critical both for the economy and for national security. Yet the resilience of the US innovation ecosystem against adversary cyber espionage and attack—most specifically from China—has not received the attention required, particularly given the essential innovation roles played by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and by academia.

China Cybersecurity

New Atlanticist

Jan 13, 2022

This year, Russia’s internet crackdown will be even worse

By Justin Sherman

As the world watches Putin’s moves in and around Ukraine, the Kremlin’s internet crackdown is no less worthy of attention.

Cybersecurity Internet

New Atlanticist

Jan 4, 2022

So much for a ‘world without borders’? Countries are marking their territory in cyberspace.

By Alix Desforges and Aude Géry

State borders in cyberspace are more complex, more fluid, and perpetually being reconfigured.

Digital Policy Infrastructure Protection

Uncategorized

Dec 21, 2021

2022 DC Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge

By Cyber Statecraft Initiative

The Atlantic Council’s Cyber Statecraft Initiative will hold its tenth annual Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge virtually in Washington, DC on March 25-26, 2022. In lieu of our usual in-person competition, we will host the entire event over the Zoom platform. The agenda and format will look very similar to past Cyber 9/12 Challenges, except that it will be […]

Cybersecurity

The 5×5

Dec 21, 2021

The 5×5—Hindsight 2021: Cybersecurity is hard

By Simon Handler

We brought together a group of distinguished experts to unpack the year that was and provide an outlook on the cyber policy challenges that lie ahead.

Conflict Cybersecurity

In the News

Dec 15, 2021

Handler in Lawfare: The strategic intelligence value of ransomware

By Atlantic Council

Cyber Statecraft Initiative Fellow Simon Handler explains that focusing on ransomware as criminal activity overlooks the real strategic value these operations can provide their owners.

Conflict Cybersecurity

The 5×5

Dec 9, 2021

The 5×5—The state of cybersecurity in Latin America

By Simon Handler

Experts provide insights into the current state of cybersecurity in Latin America, how capacity and cooperation could be improved, and what the future holds for the region.

Caribbean Conflict

Events


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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Events