The digital domain is now an increasingly significant geopolitical battleground. Kaja Ciglic from Microsoft discusses the roles of norms in regulating cyberspace.
Considering the significant role that the internet and cyberspace play in all aspects of modern life, the digital domain is becoming an increasingly significant area of contestation for differing state interests and political agendas. Various forms of statecraft are being deployed digitally, ranging from disinformation campaigns to cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure such as power grids or healthcare systems. These problems are further exacerbated by a relative lack of agreements regulating the conduct of states in cyberspace. If cyberspace continues to be left under-regulated, there is no telling how digital operations might eventually unfold and what dire implications this will bring. There is therefore a need for cyber norms - a code of conduct for countries regarding their digital operations and the limits of such operations. Advocating for norms and digital diplomacy to limit the means and ends of digital statecraft is not just the responsibility of governments but also the private sector companies that have a stake in ensuring a safer and better cyberspace.
Kaja Ciglic, Senior Director of the Digital Diplomacy division at Microsoft Corporation, will discuss Microsoft’s work on issues related to international peace and stability to advance trust in the digital domain.
Meet the speaker
Kaja Ciglic leads Microsoft’s work on digital peace, focusing on encouraging international peace and stability online. Previously, she worked on the company’s international cybersecurity policy work. Before joining Microsoft, Kaja led the APCO Worldwide’s technology practice in Seattle, and worked as a director in APCO Worldwide’s Brussels office. She holds a BSC in international relations and history, and a MSC in European politics, both from LSE.
Meet the chair
Chris Alden is Director of LSE IDEAS and Professor of International Relations at LSE.
Event hashtag: #LSEDigitalIR
LSE IDEAS (@lseideas) is LSE's foreign policy think tank. Through sustained engagement with policymakers and opinion-formers, IDEAS provides a forum that informs policy debate and connects academic research with the practice of diplomacy and strategy.