B3373 - CYBER SECURITY AND INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

Learning outcomes

The workshop is designed to provide students with the theoretical and practical knowledge relating to the dynamics of cyberspace in international relations, the diplomatic initiatives implemented both internationally and regionally in this context, and the role played by state and non-state actors. The workshop will also provide students with the skills needed to analyze primary sources such as national policies and strategies and the related institutional architectures implemented, as well as to verify the validity of current theories of International Relations in the cyber context. The main objective of the workshop is to provide students with the analytical skills to understand, through empirical case studies, how cyberspace is able to influence international peace and stability.

Course contents

The course is mainly based on seminar approach, consequently active presence of the students is required. As far as theoretical framework is concerned, the course will cover the classical theories of International Relations studies (i.e., realism, liberalism, constructivism) and these theories will be analyzed with the lens of cyber domain’s dynamics. From an empirical point of view, the course will combine the adaptation of the theoretical framework with the evaluation of current outcomes produced by the interactions between cyberspace and international systems. To achieve this aim, external lectures will be invited in order to share with the students, real experiences in the field of cyber diplomacy, cyber defense, cyber norms and cyber governance. The course will be structure as follows:

Lecture 1 Introduction to the course and guidelines for the research paper

Lecture 2 Conceptualization and features of cyberspace

Lecture 3 Are classical International Relations Theories still valid in cyberspace?

Lecture 4 Selected case studies of cyber war, cyber attacks, and cyber incidents: a critical analytical approach

Lecture 5 and Seminars Diplomatic Initiatives in cyberspace: international, multilateral, regional and bilateral, and multistakeholders.

Lecture 6 International law: applicability and challenges in cyberspace

Lecture 7 and Seminars Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies (AI, big data, robotics, quantum computing)

Readings/Bibliography

Brantly A.F., Van Puyvelde D., Cybersecurity: Politics, Governance and Conflict in Cyberspace, Oxford, Polity Press, 2019

Kello, Lucas, The Virtual Weapon and International Order (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2017)

Other additional and recommended readings will be distributed during the course.

Teaching methods

The course is structured on interactions among the class, combining lectures (internal and externals) and seminars, with the main aim to allow students to structure discussions on materials, documents and external inputs received during the classes. Students attend 10 lectures (one per week). Given that the interaction is mandatory in order to be evaluated as “attending student”, students are required to discuss contents of mandatory books and reading material distributed before each class.

Assessment methods

- Reading assignments and discussion

- Multiple Choice Exam

Attendance is mandatory and the maximum number of accepted students will be 25 based on the booking order.

Non-attending students are not admitted

Ethical behavior

Students are obliged to follow the Alma Mather University of Bologna ethics code.

Grading policy

The range of grading is based on passed/failed evaluation.

Office hours

See the website of Luigi Martino