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

Feature

Mar 16, 2023

Building a shared lexicon for the National Cybersecurity Strategy

By the Cyber Statecraft Initiative

The 2023 National Cybersecurity Strategy, released on March 3, represents the ambitions of the Biden Administration to chart a course within and through the cyber domain, staking out a critical set of questions and themes. These ambitions are reflected within the strategy’s pillars and titled sections, but also key words and phrases scattered throughout the […]

Cybersecurity National Security

Tech at the Leading Edge

Mar 3, 2023

How will the US counter cyber threats? Our experts mark up the National Cybersecurity Strategy

By Maia Hamin, Trey Herr, Will Loomis, Emma Schroeder, and Stewart Scott

On March 2, the White House released the 2023 US National Cybersecurity Strategy. Read along with CSI staff, fellows, and experts for commentary on the document and its relationship with larger cybersecurity policy issues.

Cybersecurity Technology & Innovation

Conflict, Risk, and Tech

Mar 1, 2023

Makings of the Market: Seven perspectives on offensive cyber capability proliferation

By Jen Roberts and Emma Schroeder

The marketplace for offensive cyber capabilities continues to grow globally. Their proliferation poses an expanding set of risks to national security and human rights, these capabilities also have legitimate use in state security and defense. To dive deeper on this topic, we asked seven experts to offer their perspectives.

Cybersecurity
Russian bombardment of telecommunications antennas in Kiev

Report

Feb 27, 2023

A parallel terrain: Public-private defense of the Ukrainian information environment

By Emma Schroeder with Sean Dack

The report analyzes Russia’s continuous assaults against the Ukrainian information environment, and examines how Russian offensives and Ukrainian defense both move through this largely privately owned and operated environment. The report highlights key questions that must emerge around the growing role that private companies play in conflict.

Conflict Cybersecurity

The 5×5

Feb 23, 2023

The 5×5—Strengthening the cyber workforce

By Simon Handler

Experts provide insights into ways for the United States and its allies to bolster their cyber workforces.

Cybersecurity Education

Report

Feb 8, 2023

Avoiding the success trap: Toward policy for open-source software as infrastructure

By Stewart Scott, Sara Ann Brackett, Trey Herr, Maia Hamin with the Open Source Policy Network

Open-source software (OSS) sits at the center of almost every digital technology moving the world since the early 1980s—laptops, cellphones, widespread internet connectivity, cloud computing, social media, automation, all the rainbow flavors of e-commerce, and even secure communications and anti-censorship tools.

Cybersecurity

The 5×5

Jan 30, 2023

The 5×5—China’s cyber operations

By Simon Handler

Experts provide insights into China’s cyber behavior, its structure, and how its operations differ from those of other states.

China Cybersecurity

Uncategorized

Jan 4, 2023

2023 DC Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge

By Cyber Statecraft Initiative

The Atlantic Council’s Cyber Statecraft Initiative, in partnership with American University’s School of International Service and Washington College of Law, will hold the eleventh annual Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge both virtually and in-person in Washington, DC on March 17-18, 2023. For the first time in the competition’s history, we will be hosting a hybrid event. Teams […]

Cybersecurity

The 5×5

Dec 14, 2022

The 5×5—The cyber year in review

By Simon Handler

A group of experts reviews the highs and lows of the year in cybersecurity and look forward to 2023. 

Cybersecurity Internet

Issue Brief

Dec 12, 2022

Wargaming to find a safe port in a cyber storm

By Daniel Grobarcik, William Loomis, Michael Poznansky, Frank Smith

With the Maritime Transportation System increasingly reliant on cyberspace, how can cybersecurity be improved within key nodes of this critical infrastructure, particularly cargo ports?

Cybersecurity Maritime Security

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