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

The 5×5

Aug 3, 2023

The 5×5—Cyber conflict in international relations: A policymaker’s perspective

By Simon Handler

Current and former policymakers address cyber conflict’s fundamental place in international relations, their recommended readings, and ideas for how policymakers and scholars can more effectively engage one another.

Cybersecurity
National Security

Cybersecurity, Strategy, and Policy

Jul 19, 2023

Why do SBOM haters hate? Or why trade associations say the darndest things

By John Speed Meyers, Sara Ann Brackett, Trey Herr

SBOMs are an important step forward for software supply chain security, so despite pushback and opposition, industry and government should take a page out of Taylor Swift’s book and just keep cruisin’, don’t let SBOM haters get in the way. 

Cybersecurity

Markup

Jul 18, 2023

The National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation Plan: A CSI Markup

By Trey Herr, Stewart Scott, Maia Hamin, Will Loomis, Sara Ann Brackett, Jennifer Linn

On July 13, the White House released the Implementation Plan for the 2023 US National Cybersecurity Strategy. Read along with CSI staff, fellows, and experts for commentary and what the NCSIP means for the Strategy.

Cybersecurity
United States and Canada

Report

Jul 10, 2023

Critical infrastructure and the cloud: Policy for emerging risk

By Tianjiu Zuo, Justin Sherman, Maia Hamin, and Stewart Scott

Critical infrastructure increasingly depends upon cloud computing. Policy must adapt its approach to risk management accordingly.

Cybersecurity
Resilience

Conflict, Risk, and Tech

Jun 28, 2023

Shaping the global spyware market: Opportunities for transatlantic cooperation

By Jen Roberts and Emmeline Nettles

The United States and its allies can do more to improve their position on spyware. Further policy action should, through greater collaboration with marketplace operators and allies and partners, work on furthering the development of norms and common understanding of what spyware can and cannot be used for.

Cybersecurity
European Union

The 5×5

Jun 20, 2023

The 5×5—Cyber conflict in international relations: A scholar’s perspective

By Simon Handler

Leading scholars provide insights on cyber conflict’s role in international relations, how the topic can best be taught to students, and how scholars and policymakers can better incorporate each other’s perspectives.

Cybersecurity
National Security

Issue Brief

Jun 14, 2023

Who’s afraid of the SEC

By Maia Hamin

The SEC wants to require fast, public disclosure of cybersecurity incidents. These rules could benefit investors—and the cyber ecosystem.

Cybersecurity
Internet

The 5×5

May 30, 2023

The 5×5—Cross-community perspectives on cyber threat intelligence and policy

By Simon Handler

Individuals with experience from the worlds of cyber threat intelligence and cyber policy share their insights and career advice.

Cybersecurity
Intelligence

Issue Brief

May 15, 2023

What is driving the adoption of Chinese surveillance technology in Africa?

By Bulelani Jili

When examining the proliferation of Chinese surveillance systems and cyber capabilities in Africa, research disproportionately focuses on the motivations and ambitions of the supplier. This perspective, while it highlights Chinese diplomatic ambitions and corporate opportunities, ignores local features that drive the adoption of Chinese surveillance tools.

Africa
China

The 5×5

May 3, 2023

The 5×5—Cryptocurrency hacking’s geopolitical and cyber implications

By Simon Handler

Experts explore the cybersecurity implications of cryptocurrencies, and how the United States and its allies should approach this challenge.

Cybersecurity
Digital Currencies

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

All original graphics created by the Cyber Statecraft Initiative (CSI) are available for re-use under the following conditions:

  • Written permission must be granted by CSI.
  • Graphics may be copied and distributed in any medium or format in unadapted form only, for noncommerical purposes, and only so long as attribution is given.1Language based on Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
  • The attribution must reference the Cyber Statecraft Initiative and include a link to the content.
  • CSI cannot grant permission for the use of images or graphics licensed from third parties.

Events