Global Perspectives on Cyber Statecraft: Bridging Theory and Practice

In the modern era characterized by an ever-increasing reliance on digital technology and the burgeoning development of cyberspace as a platform for both cooperation and conflict, states are prompted to actively engage in cyber statecraft. Cyber statecraft involves the strategic application of cyber instruments to achieve national objectives, which may include maintaining the security of cyberspace and exerting influence over non-cyber resources and people. This can encompass activities such as employing artificial intelligence to thwart cyber-espionage attempts or employing policies aimed at regulating digital devices to protect sensitive environments, such as restricting cell phone use in schools. Moreover, it may include the use of autonomous systems for policing or military purposes, serving as examples of how cyber governance can manifest both in preserving cyberspace security and exerting control in broader contexts.

This Research Topic seeks to present pioneering research that delves into the evolving landscape of cyber statecraft from multiple perspectives, examining its historical context, contemporary practices, and future directions. It aims to scrutinize domestic regulatory measures, collaborative strategies across regional and global frameworks, and the interplay between cyber power and international competition. Further exploration will be dedicated to connecting theoretical paradigms with practical applications in the complex realm of cyber statecraft. The ultimate goal is to assemble a diverse collection of insights that reflect the wide array of viewpoints present within the global academic community.

To gather further insights in the intricate domain of cyber statecraft, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Contemporary and emerging cyber threats and responses to them
• Cyber governance frameworks (national, regional, and global) and cyber diplomacy
• Theoretical foundations of cyber power, cybersecurity, and cyber statecraft
• Cyber statecraft as an instrument of national strategy
• The role of cyber operations in national strategy
• Practical implementations of cyber defense strategies and evaluation of their effectiveness
• Analysis of public-private collaboration in cybersecurity and wider statecraft
• The impact of AI on cybersecurity and competition in cyberspace

Interdisciplinary approaches are highly encouraged, as are contributions from international relations, political science, law, and computer science. We invite original submissions that will foster a well-rounded dialogue across these important and intersecting fields.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Cyber Statecraft, Cybersecurity, Cyber Diplomacy, Cyber Governance, Cyber Power, International Relations

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.