Statecraft and Cyber Security
Introduction
In today's interconnected world, the distinction between the physical and digital realms is becoming
increasingly blurred. This has significant implications for statecraft, civic cyber resilience, and
cybersecurity, with each domain influencing and shaping the others. This convergence presents
both challenges and opportunities for nations, governments, and societies as a whole. Cyberattacks
are no longer just isolated incidents; they are now tools of geopolitical influence with the potential
to disrupt economies, undermine national security, and sow discord among nations1. This report
delves into the intricate links between statecraft, civic cyber resilience, and cybersecurity, providing
a horizon scanning document that offers actionable insights for the next few years, taking into
account the evolving geopolitical landscape. It emphasizes the need for proactive and adaptive
approaches to address the challenges and opportunities presented by this convergence, ultimately
contributing to national security and global stability.
Statecraft in the Digital Age
Statecraft, the art of conducting state affairs, has traditionally focused on diplomacy, military power,
and economic influence. However, the rise of cyberspace has added a new dimension to statecraft.
Nations now utilize cyber capabilities to achieve their political objectives, ranging from espionage
and information warfare to disrupting critical infrastructure and interfering in elections2
.
The UK government recognizes the importance of digital technology in serving its citizens and has
been actively working to improve digital service delivery and user experience. For example, the
Government Digital Service (GDS) has developed design principles and standards for government
websites and digital services to ensure they are user-friendly and accessible3. However, the State of
Digital Government Review highlighted that many public services still rely on traditional channels
like phone calls and letters, with only 47% of central government services offering a digital pathway3
.
This highlights the need for continued efforts to improve digital service delivery and ensure that
citizens can access essential services online.
Last updated
Was this helpful?