The Cyber Statecraft Initiative 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. 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.

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Our Work

Our Team

Cyber Statecraft Fellows

Events and programs

CSI is dedicated to convening a diverse network of passionate and knowledgeable contributors, bridging the gap among technical, policy, and user communities. Check out our past events here and make sure to keep an eye out for our future events by following us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Recent Publications

September 2024

Mythical Beasts and Where to Find Them: Mapping the Global Spyware Market and its Threats to National Security and Human Rights

by Jen Roberts, Trey Herr, Nitansha Bansal, and Nancy Messieh, with Emma Taylor, Jean Le Roux, and Sopo Gelava

The Mythical Beasts project pulls back the curtain on the connections between 435 entities across forty-two countries in the global spyware market.
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September 2024

Mythical Beasts and Where to Find Them: Data and Methodology

by Jen Roberts, Trey Herr, Nitansha Bansal, and Nancy Messieh, with Emma Taylor, Jean Le Roux, and Sopo Gelava

Learn more about the methodology and dataset behind Mythical Beasts and Where to Find Them: Mapping the Global Spyware Market and its Threats to National Security and Human Rights
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September 2024

Mythical Beasts and Where to Find Them

by Jen Roberts, Trey Herr, Nitansha Bansal, and Nancy Messieh, with Emma Taylor, Jean Le Roux, and Sopo Gelava

Mythical Beasts and Where to Find Them: Mapping the Global Spyware Market and its Threats to National Security and Human Rights is concerned with the commercial market for spyware and provides data on market participants.
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August 2024

AI in Cyber and Software Security:  What’s Driving Opportunities and Risks?

by Maia Hamin, Jennifer Lin, Trey Herr

This issue brief discusses the drivers of evolving risks and opportunities presented by generative artificial intelligence (GAI), particularly in cybersecurity, while acknowledging the broader implications for policymakers and for national security.
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July 2024

Russia’s Digital Tech Isolationism: Domestic Innovation, Digital Fragmentation, and the Kremlin’s Push to Replace Western Digital Technology 

by Justin Sherman

Russia’s technological isolation is both a reality and a desired goal for Moscow. This piece explores the impacts of this phenomenon and offers recommendations for how to deal with that evolving digital ecosystem.
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July 2024

OT Cyber Policy: The Titanic or the Iceberg

by Danielle Jablanski

Current policy does not address the issue of cyber-physical security with a systemic approach, instead focusing with tunnel vision on specific events. This analysis uses the iceberg model for systems thinking to address policy gaps in the OT ecosystem, detailing recommendations for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
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July 2024

The Impact of Corruption on Cybersecurity: Rethinking National Strategies Across the Global South  

by Robert Peacock

As the Global South prepares for the next stage in ICT development, governments must prioritize policies that reduce corruption in critical network software procurement to protect those countries’ developing cyberspace.
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June 2024

User in the Middle: An Interoperability and Security Guide for Policymakers

by Maia Hamin, Alphaeus Hanson

When technologies work together, it benefits users and the digital ecosystem. Policymakers can advance interoperability and security in tandem by understanding how each impacts the other.
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June 2024

“Reasonable” Cybersecurity in Forty-Seven Cases: The Federal Trade Commission’s Enforcement Actions Against Unfair and Deceptive Cyber Practices

by Isabella Wright, Maia Hamin

The FTC has brought 47 cases against companies for unfair or deceptive cybersecurity practices. What can we learn from them?
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May 2024

International Cyberspace & Digital Policy Strategy: AC Tech Programs Markup

by Emma Schroeder, Graham Brookie, Raul Brens Jr., Emerson Brooking, Safa Shahwan Edwards, Trey Herr, Rose Jackson

On May 6, the Department of State released the United States International Cyberspace & Digital Policy Strategy. Read along with AC Tech Programs staff, fellows, and experts for commentary and analysis.
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