Lawfare Daily: The U.S. International Cyberspace and Digital Policy Strategy with Adam Segal
May 13, 2024
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Adam Segal, Senior Advisor in the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, discusses the new U.S. International Cyberspace and Digital Policy Strategy. They explore how the strategy aligns with other cyber actions, digital solidarity in practice, and future-proofing initiatives.
The US International Cyber Space and Digital Policy Strategy emphasizes global cooperation and aligns with previous national strategies and international engagements.
Digital Solidarity is a key concept in the strategy, promoting collaborative efforts based on rights-respecting technology use and inclusive coalitions.
Deep dives
Overview of the US International Cyber Space and Digital Policy Strategy
The recently released US International Cyber Space and Digital Policy Strategy aligns with previous national strategies and international engagements, emphasizing global cooperation. This strategy stems from the National Cyber Security Strategy's pillar on international engagement, reinforcing an open, global, rules-based world. Through comprehensive planning involving multi-stakeholders, the strategy aims to define the US role in the international digital space, promoting values like rights-respecting technology use.
Development and Implementation of the Strategy
The development process involved meticulous research and consultations with various stakeholders to structure the strategy. The exhaustive examination of prior strategies and international approaches, alongside engaging civil society and academics, ensured a well-rounded framework. Additionally, bridging gaps within the government and conducting outreach in various sectors and regions contributed to a holistic approach in shaping the strategy.
Digital Solidarity and Foreign Policy Communication
Digital Solidarity, a key concept in the strategy, emphasizes collaboration based on rights-respecting technology use, fostering mutual support and capacity building globally. The strategy mitigates the exclusive 'like-minded' narrative, focusing on inclusive coalitions rather than forming predefined alliances. This approach aims to engage diverse stakeholders, including G77 nations, in building a shared digital future.
Challenges and Advantages of Digital Solidarity
Navigating the perception of digital solidarity among global partners involves showcasing the tangible benefits and long-term implications of collaborative efforts. The strategy highlights examples, like Costa Rica's cybersecurity incident response, to illustrate the positive outcomes of digital solidarity in action. By emphasizing the holistic advantages and addressing the reservations of potential partners, the strategy aims to secure broader support for shared digital values.
On May 6, the U.S. State Department unveiled its U.S. International Cyberspace and Digital Policy Strategy. Lawfare's Fellow in Technology Policy and Law, Eugenia Lostri, discussed the new strategy with Adam Segal, Senior Advisor in the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy. They talked about how the strategy fits with other cyber actions from the Biden administration, what the principle of digital solidarity looks like in practice, and how to future-proof these initiatives.