The NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) in partnership with the Società Italiana per l’Organizzazione Internazionale (SIOI) has published a new book titled „Cybersecurity Governance and Normative Frameworks: Non-Western Countries and International Organizations Perspectives“. The book offers a comparative analysis of how different regions across the globe approach international law and state behavior in cyberspace.
The military conflict between Russia and Ukraine is yet another reminder that, when it comes to the understanding on the role, and interpretation of international law, there is still a significant gap
between „the West and the Rest“. This gap is also evident in relation to the discussion on how international law applies to cyberspace and cyber operations. „The West“ includes North-American and European countries which share common and rather coherent understanding of the key issues of international law applicable to cyber operations. The other category is broader and more diverse. Yet, in the legal discourse, the non-Western countries are often addressed in an over-simplifying manner that fails to consider the nuances between the opposing interpretations and legal positions.
This book aims to present the perspectives of non-Western states and international organizations in order to analyze and highlight their various approaches to international law and cyberspace from a comparative standpoint. While the Global North has led the discussion on how international law applies to cyberspace and cyber operations, any concrete step forward in that respect needs also to pay attention to Global Majority’s specific concerns and this book seeks to facilitate such an exchange of views.
The book includes a series of case studies and legal analyses. It explores, among other topics, the domestic governance structures for cybersecurity in countries such as India, Japan, and Mexico, as well as oversight of surveillance technologies in Israel. Additionally, the book examines the perspectives of international organizations, including the United Nations, the Council of Europe, ASEAN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the African Union, on cybersecurity issues.
The book is available online on CCDCOE Library.