From frontlines to firewalls: cybersecurity and international security cooperation

Emily Otto and Melissa K. Griffith

Chapter 11 in Handbook on the Politics of International Agreements, 2026, pp 169-183 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter examines the increasingly vital role of cybersecurity and cyber operations in the context of international security cooperation, evaluating how cooperative strategies have evolved in response to persistent cyber threats. It identifies major trends shaping the field, such as the expansion of state competition in cyberspace, the rise of security agreements designed to mitigate cyber risks, and the ongoing targeting of international institutions by malicious actors. Throughout, it highlights theoretical and practical challenges facing current efforts, including difficulties in agreement verification, technological dual-use concerns, and the integration of private sector actors. The authors argue that existing scholarly and policy frameworks remain nascent, particularly regarding the design and effectiveness of cyber-specific peace agreements and cooperative mechanisms. The chapter concludes by calling for innovative research and policy development to address the unique operational dynamics of cyberspace, namely the need for persistence and to strengthen collective approaches toward international cybersecurity.

Keywords: Cybersecurity; National Security; International Cooperation; Strategic Competition; Global Governance; Conflict Resolution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035318582
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