B6170 - Cyberspace and International Politics

Learning outcomes

The course will enable students to understand the dynamics of cyberspace in the international arena, particularly addressing new forms of conflict, political dynamics among state and private actors, public policies, and regulatory standards. By the end of the course, students will be able to: a) Analyze the risks and threats arising from cyberspace. b) Evaluate the consequences of these risks on international relations and their potential impact within the context of international law. c) Understand the specificities of cyber threats. d) Analyze the developments in ICT and emerging disruptive technologies. KNOWLEDGE: The course focuses on cyberspace dynamics and their implications for private and public actors, sub-national, national, and international entities. It also highlights the influence of the cyber domain on the structure of the international system and new modes of international conflict and cooperation. To this end, at the beginning of the course, the instructor will introduce the theoretical framework that will allow students to conceptualize basic information on ICT policies, cybersecurity practices, and "cyberpolitics" in general. SKILLS ACQUIRED AT THE END OF THE COURSE: The main purpose of the course is to provide students with specific "knowledge tools" to independently analyze themes, scenarios, and research topics related to the implications of cyberspace in international politics. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE: Students will be required to read the assigned readings, conduct research, and present research results with appropriate technical, professional, and oral skills.

Course contents

The course follows a seminar-based approach: students are required to read the assigned papers and chapters in advance to prepare for each session, which is built around their active participation.

The workshop examines how cyberspace, as a new technological domain, has reshaped the international order, and then applies that framework to other emerging and disruptive technologies. Particular attention is given to the erosion of state primacy over technological development and to the rise of "Big Tech" as a non-state actor whose economic interests do not necessarily coincide with national ones, in an increasingly technopolar arena. Empirical case studies and primary sources — national strategies, regulatory frameworks and institutional architectures — are used throughout to assess the effects of these dynamics on international peace, security and stability.

No prior knowledge of computer science is required.

The main topics are:

• Basics of Cyberspace and Cybersecurity
• How is the domain used, governed and handled; Cyber Warfare, Cyber Diplomacy, Cyber Governance, and Multistakeholderism.
• Rise of “Big Tech” and the “Technopolar” world order.
• National and European governance frameworks and standards.
• Impact of emerging and disruptive technologies, including case studies in application: artificial intelligence, quantum computing; the threats of cognitive warfare.

Readings/Bibliography

Please note that only selected chapters will be picked from the Bjola & Kornprobst book.

Additional and recommended readings will be distributed during the course.

• Bjola, C., & Kornprobst, M. (2023). Digital International Relations: Technology, Agency and Order (1st edn). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003437963 [Selected chapters]
• Martino, L. (2026). Il mondo codificato. Potere, politica e mercato. Percorsi. Il Mulino.

Teaching methods

The course is structured around interactions in the class, combining lecture-based and seminar-based approaches, where students are expected to read the assigned materials before the class and discuss them, as well as interact during the seminar portion of the lecture.

The maximum number of accepted students will be 30, based on the booking order.

Assessment methods

Depending on attendance, the final assessment will consist of either a live simulation of different stakeholders or a multiple-choice exam.

This information will be delivered at the beginning of the course.

Office hours

See the website of Luigi Martino