Cyberdiplomacy, Managing Security and Governance Online

The world has been sleep-walking into cyber chaos. The spread of misinformation via social media, the theft of data and intellectual property, along with regular cyberattacks threaten the fabric of modern societies. All the while, the internet of things increases the vulnerability of computer systems, including those controlling critical infrastructure. What can be done to tackle these problems? Does diplomacy offer ways of managing security and containing conflict online?

This provocative book argues for the importance of cyberdiplomacy as an effective means of addressing the challenges generated by cyberspace. Drawing on decades of experience as a diplomat Shaun Riordan shows how traditional diplomatic skills and mindsets can be combined with new technologies to bring order and enhanced international cooperation. He explains what cyberdiplomacy means for diplomats, foreign services and corporations and explores how it can be applied to issues like internet governance, cybersecurity, cybercrime and information warfare. Cyberspace, he argues, is too important to leave to technicians. Using the vital tools offered by cyberdiplomacy we can reduce the escalation and proliferation of cyber conflicts by proactively promoting negotiation and collaboration online.