Prospectus

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International Cybersecurity

Course
2023-2024

Admission requirements

Description

This course explores cyber security issues from the perspective of political science and international relations. Having become a major concern for national security, the cyber domain presents policymakers with enduring strategic and doctrinal dilemmas. This course will review relevant debates in international relations and security studies theory; draw lessons from previous technological transformations on how to address contemporary security problems; evaluate scholarly debates about the international security implications of cyber capabilities; examine the operational and technical features of interstate offensive cyber operations; review legal, ethical, and normative paradigms to regulate international cyber conflict; and expose students to policy dilemmas under the pressure of a simulated scenario. By completing the course, students will acquire a knowledge base on cyber statecraft, cyber diplomacy, and international cyber conflict, as well as develop critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills.

Course objectives

  1. Collect, understand, critically evaluate, and present information in a format appropriate for a professional audience related to state-linked cyber actors and their operations;
  2. Evaluate scholarly debates and apply relevant theoretical and conceptual frameworks from international relations and security studies to analyse the implications of cyber technologies for international security and security strategy;
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of issues related to international cyber security, such as cyber conflict, cyber espionage, legal and normative frameworks, disinformation, and artificial intelligence;
  4. Critically evaluate national cyber strategies, provide practical insights and resolutions to cyber-related problems for decision-makers, and develop an awareness of the complexities of responding to major cyber events.

Timetable

Mode of instruction

Assessment method

1 written assessment
t.b.c.

In the case of written assessment methods, the examiner can always initiate a follow-up conversation with the student to establish whether the learning objectives have been met.

Reading list

Registration

To be announced by OSC staff.

Contact

Dr. Monica Kaminska m.k.kaminska@fgga.leidenuniv.nl

Remarks