Cyber Diplomacy and Policy Course

July 19-21, 2023 | ESMT Berlin
The Cyber Diplomacy and Policy Course was held at the ESMT in Berlin from July 19-21 to provide an in-depth overview of the evolution of international cyber policy processes and cyber diplomacy.

The rapid progress of digitalization is opening up numerous opportunities for our economies and societies, but it also presents new challenges and raises important questions for international relations. Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly frequent and are being used as weapons, turning cyberspace into the fifth dimension of warfare. This evolution poses a significant threat to national security and necessitates major changes in the practice of diplomacy.

To address these critical issues, the Cyber Diplomacy and Policy Course was held at the ESMT in Berlin from July 19-21. The course aimed to provide an in-depth overview of the evolution of international cyber policy processes and cyber diplomacy. It focused on establishing and implementing norms and confidence-building measures related to state behavior in cyberspace through the frameworks of the UN, EU, OSCE, and the Council of Europe.

Key topics included:

  • Understanding the technological changes impacting society and the economy.
  • Identifying risks from cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
  • Reviewing cyber diplomacy initiatives by international organizations such as the UN, EU, OSCE, and the Council of Europe.
  • Exploring EU cyber policy responses in Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), cyber resilience, and cybercrime.
  • Conducting a realistic crisis scenario exercise to respond to a cyber operation against a country.
  • Providing strategic and analytical tools for designing effective policy responses.

Participants analyzed the intersection of policy and technology, examining how to address the challenges posed by cyber threats. They explored the range of diplomatic tools available and engaged in an interactive case study to formulate a joint European response to a cyber operation.

The course was organized as a three-day in-person event featuring interdisciplinary lectures from academics, technical experts, and experienced policymakers. It targeted participants from the diplomatic and policy-making community. The format included conference-style lectures, interactive case studies, and table-top exercises, offering participants both theoretical knowledge and practical insights.

The event took place at the ESMT in Berlin July 19-21, 2023.