1. MIT-Harvard Conference Cyber International Relations (ECIR)
Explorations in
Cyber International Relations (ECIR)
New Politics in International Relations?
Nazli Choucri, Political Science
Collaboration: David Clark, CSAIL
Stuart Madnick, Sloan School
Research Robert Reardon, Ph.D. Political Science
Assistance: Gaurav Agarwal, SM, SDM
Nancy Chen, Undergraduate UROP
Explorations in Cyber International Relations
OSD Minerva Research Project at MIT & Harvard

2. Focusing on Basics – Three Questions
1. International relations theories are anchored in 20 C.
experience. How portable are they for 21st C. realities?
If so how?
If not why not?
2. Can we relate the “real” & cyber features of international
relation in intellectually defensible ways?
What are the “real” factors,
the cyber & the linkages?
3. What do we know about cyber conflicts and cyber
cooperation to date?
Can we define types?
Can we identify cases?

3. 1. Exploring Portability
Levels of analysis
The Individual needs, demands, etc.
The State features, constituencies, capacity
The International System state & non-state entities
The Global System human & natural systems,
Contending Theoretical “Lenses”
Realism national security & power politics
Liberalism the “open society”
Institutionalism structured organized collaboration
Constructivism cognitive & cultural focus
Global Perspective globalization & its effects
Cyber access is relevant at all levels. Different theories
highlight or “see” different features of cyberspace.

4. 2. Connecting “Real” & Cyber IR*
Identifying linkages is based on two major tasks
Mapping Cyberspace
Identifying Control Points

5. Structure & Process Real & Cyber
International
Institutions
Level of Analysis
in International
Relations
Actors in the Cyber
“Playing Field”
Incidents &
Intensity 5
Explorations in Cyber International Relations
OSD Minerva Research Project at Harvard & MIT

6. 3. Cyber Conflicts & Security Threats
TYPES CASES
I. Cyber Threats to National Security
Militarization of cyberspace
Cyber threats to Infrastructure
Cyber terrorism
Cyber warfare
II. Cyber Conflicts for Strategic Advantage
State power for political control
Political competition via cyber venues
Cyber Crime and Cyber Espionage
III. Contentions over Cyber Structure & Process
End-to end-argument
“Code is law”
Layers principle
“Network neutrality”

7. Source: “War in the Fifth Domain” The Economist July 3, 2010, pg. 26.
Example - Infected IP Addresses
Source: “War in the Fifth Domain” The Economist July 3, 2010, pg. 26.

8. 4. Cyber Collaboration & Coordination
TYPES CASES
I. Cyber Governance
Networked Governance
Institutions for Cyber Management       
Institutions for Cyber Security
International Cyber Treaties
II. Global Norms & Public Goods
Politicizing Cyber  Rights
Consolidating New Norms     
Facilitating Knowledge Provision
III. Toward a Global Agenda
Internationalizing Cyber Supports
Framing New Cyber Behaviors
Exploring Treaty Precedents
Supporting Sustainability

9. The following sessions will explore
The following sessions will explore these & related issues in some detail.