Lawfare Daily: Discussing Recent Disruptions to Undersea Cables with Kevin Frazier
Jan 21, 2025
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Kevin Frazier, Lawfare’s Tarbell Fellow in Artificial Intelligence and expert on undersea cables, discusses recent disruptions impacting global connectivity. He highlights significant incidents linked to maritime security, including potential sabotage and their legal implications. The conversation also delves into geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Russia and China’s actions, and the need for international cooperation to safeguard these critical infrastructures. Frazier emphasizes innovative technologies to enhance cable resilience and maintain internet stability.
Recent disruptions to undersea cables raise concerns over possible sabotage, particularly involving non-warring vessels linked to state activities.
Legal complexities surrounding undersea cable investigations highlight the need for enhanced international cooperation to ensure effective responses and accountability.
Deep dives
The Growing Concern of Undersea Cable Sabotage
Recent disruptions to undersea cables have raised significant concerns about possible sabotage. Notably, incidents involving two cables in Sweden's exclusive economic zone reportedly coincided with the activities of a Chinese-flagged vessel, leading to suspicions of deliberate damage. This incident reflects a broader pattern of alleged attack incidents where non-warring ships, like bulk carriers, appear to engage in actions that impact vital communications infrastructure. Given the importance of these cables for internet connectivity, the increasing frequency of these events highlights the need for enhanced monitoring and protective measures.
Legal Challenges in Investigating Cable Breaks
Investigating undersea cable breaks involves numerous legal complexities, particularly under the Convention for the Protection of Submarine Telegraph Cables. Article 10 of the convention stipulates the conditions under which countries may board a vessel after a cable break, introducing challenges regarding jurisdiction and consent from ship captains. Recent enforcement actions, particularly the first since 1959 involving the investigation of a damaged cable, have underscored the fragmented interpretation of laws among allied nations. These challenges hinder effective and timely investigations, enabling potential perpetrators to escape accountability.
The Role of Russia and China in Undersea Domain Dynamics
The relationship between Russia and China is becoming increasingly intertwined as both nations test their influence in the undersea cable domain. Allegations suggest that these nations utilize commercial vessels to conduct disruptive activities while obscuring direct state involvement, operationalizing a strategy that could potentially destabilize critical communications infrastructure. As these countries gather data on the reactions of NATO allies to these incidents, it raises concerns about their intentions to dominate undersea operations. This collaboration is emblematic of shared strategic objectives, positioning them as significant players in potential future conflicts involving undersea cables.
Enhancing Resilience and International Cooperation
In light of the persistent threat to undersea cables, enhancing international cooperation and resilience is critical. Recent initiatives, such as the establishment of the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience, aim to promote best practices for cable maintenance and rapid repair. Enhanced information sharing between public and private entities is essential to monitor and respond to incidents effectively, particularly concerning the shadow fleets associated with Russia. Countries must prioritize collaboration to foster a more robust defense mechanism against potential disruptions and establish norms that enhance the protection of this vital infrastructure.
Senior Editor at Lawfare Eugenia Lostri sits down with Kevin Frazier, Lawfare’s Tarbell Fellow in Artificial Intelligence, to discuss recent disruptions to undersea cables. They talk about the ongoing investigations; the challenges that weather, cooperation, and jurisdiction can present; and the plans in place to protect the cables from accidents and sabotage.