1 MIT-Harvard Conference Explorations in Cyber International Relations (ECIR) Introduction to the ECIR Initiative Nazli Choucri Professor of Political Science Massachusetts Institute of Technology Explorations in Cyber International Relations OSD Minerva Research Project at MIT & Harvard This work is funded by the Office of Naval Research under award number N Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this are those of the author (s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of Naval Research.

2 Nazli Choucri (PI), David D. Clark, Roger Hurwitz, Daniel Goldsmith, Stuart Madnick, John C. Mallery, Silvio Micali, Cindy Williams Michael Siegel, Patrick H. Winston Massachusetts Institute of Technology Venkatesh Narayanamurti (PI), Jack Goldsmith, Joseph S. Nye Jr. Harvard University* The ECIR Project Team Explorations in Cyber International Relations OSD Minerva Research Project at MIT & Harvard Former Harvard team members include Melissa Hathaway, Luis Ortega, Stonybrook, participated early on as well.

The Problem Cyberspace is a new and critical feature of current realities worldwide – for which there are no precedents For the first time in human history advances in communication technology are potentially to everyone, everywhere International relations theory, analysis, policy, and strategy do not - and cannot as yet – respond well to the cyber realities Traditional tools of diplomacy, use of force, and other conventional measures do not “fit” cyber venues

4 Explorations in Cyber International Relations OSD Minerva Research Project at Harvard & MIT Internet Participation

5 Explorations in Cyber International Relations OSD Minerva Research Project at Harvard & MIT Cyber Challenges to Theory & Policy Cyberspace alters traditional realities & approaches in international relations with respect to: Time Replaces conventional time with near-instantaneity Space Transcends constraints of geography & physicality Permeation Penetrates boundaries & jurisdictions Fluidity Sustains persistent shifts & reconfigurations Participation Reduces barriers to political expression & action AttributionObscures identity of actor & links to action Accountability Bypasses mechanisms of responsibility Social science assumptions, theories, methods, and tools are not designed for such “reality ”

6 Explorations in Cyber International Relations OSD Minerva Research Project at Harvard & MIT The ECIR Vision To create a knowledge domain of cyber international relations that is multidisciplinary, theory-driven, technically & empirically anchored such that it: Highlights alternative perspectives, policies, institutional requirements Clarifies threats and opportunities in cyberspace for national security, welfare, and influence; Provides analytical tools for understanding and managing “real” and cyber transformation and change; and Attracts and educates a new generation of researchers, scholars, and analysts. A related objective is to provide the U.S. government with useful tools and insights into the emergent complexity of the new realities.

7 Explorations in Cyber International Relations OSD Minerva Research Project at Harvard & MIT A Multi-Disciplinary Strategy Research Examples Hierarchical (layer) representation of the cyber domain Ontology for developing cyber-real International relations theory Exploring influence patterns Case studies of influence & action Mapping IR Domain Real & Cyber & Simulation Modeling Policy Analysis Data Development & Empirical investigations Research Examples Simulation models for policy analysis to help maximize resource effectiveness Range of policy “briefings” on emerging challenges & new issues topics Artificial intelligence applications for rapid understanding of emerging conflicts Research Examples Tools for data integration and analysis Compilation of cyber-data including CERT data Collection of Cyber attribute data International Comparisons of Cyber Capabilities Research Examples Clarify data-concepts links Track data reporting conventions Identify Institutional modes of coordination Develop resilient design mechanism

8 Explorations in Cyber International Relations OSD Minerva Research Project at Harvard & MIT Conflict Cooperation Cyber Contentions Cyber Security Cyber Threats & Vulnerability Militarization of Cyberspace Cyber Warfare Resilient Design Mechanisms Global Cyber Norms Institutional Cyber Supports Global Civil-Cyber Society Global Agenda – Cyberspace & Sustainability Project Research Core Themes & Integration Tasks

9 Explorations in Cyber International Relations OSD Minerva Research Project at Harvard & MIT Research Fifteen researchers explore theory, data, methodology, simulation and policy analysis Multi-disciplinary research teams New Research Methods Pulling the Pieces Together - Linkage Strategies Working Paper Series & Publications Education & Training Four New Graduate Courses New Teaching Tools Internships & Post-Docs Student theses Outreach First Conference on “CyberPolitics in International Relations” – October 14, 2010 Two Regular Seminar series – at Harvard and at MIT Current Activities & Products

10 Explorations in Cyber International Relations OSD Minerva Research Project at Harvard & MIT Goals for Today Provide an overview of ECIR Research Clarify Threats and opportunities in Cyberspace Highlight best uses of 20th C. international relations theory for analysis of 21st C. cyber realities Encourage broader communication & collaborations