Kanuck, Sean --- "Promoting peace and stability in cyberspace" [2019] ELECD 947; in Bailliet, M. Cecilia (ed), "Research Handbook on International Law and Peace" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2019) 477

Book Title: Research Handbook on International Law and Peace

Editor(s): Bailliet, M. Cecilia

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Section: Chapter 21

Section Title: Promoting peace and stability in cyberspace

Author(s): Kanuck, Sean

Number of pages: 16

Abstract/Description:

The question of why peaceful cooperation in cyberspace has proven so challenging for nation states can only be answered with an interdisciplinary examination of the nexus between law, technology, and security. Analysis of both the 'negative' and 'positive' notions of peace reveals that information and communication technologies (ICT) can play an integral role in promoting economic development and political inclusion, thereby removing structural impediments to peace. By enabling human rights, social justice, equality, non-discrimination, and fair trade, ICT not only improves living conditions but also reduces sources of conflict. Capacity building through information resources can actually serve as the foundation for advancing norms of behaviour in cyberspace that will protect critical infrastructures from disruptive cyber operations. Even though legal and diplomatic efforts may have stalled short of achieving binding treaty rules, positive peace measures can alter the strategic incentives of state and non-state actors to better align their interests and achieve more stability in cyberspace.