Cyber diplomacy
Cyber diplomacy is broadly defined as the use of public diplomacy tools set to cyber challenges, and encompasses: building collective response to cyber threats; negotiating a cyber stability framework that includes rules for actions in cyberspace; negotiating agreements and cooperative frameworks; ensuring human rights are respected in cyberspace; using diplomatic tools to respond to threats; fostering capacity building; and integrating cyber issues into larger discussions of national and international security.
The Institute pursues an affirmative vision for cyberspace grounded in international commitments and international law, including international human rights law. and seeks to integrate academic insights with the experiences of civil society actors and public diplomacy practitioners to foster dialogue on cyber diplomacy through participation in stakeholder events hosted by international organisations.
Recent Actions
Engagement with the Ad Hoc Committee to Elaborate a Comprehensive International Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes
At its session on organizational matters, on 24 February 2022, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime -UNODC Ad Hoc Committee, recalling paragraph 9 of General Assembly resolution 75/282 of 26 May 2021, decided to approve the participation of the Institut de diplomatie publique in the sessions of the UN Ad Hoc Committee to Elaborate a Comprehensive International Convention for Countering the Use of Information and Communication Technologies-ICT- for Criminal Purposes.
Online training courses on cyberdiplomacy
This course provides a comprehensive, interactive and engaging introduction to the cyber-related processes, outcomes and agreements at the United Nations, current and consideration of new and emerging issues. It aims to enhance understanding of the use of ICTs and their implications for international security.
The training modules are based on the following pillars:
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Existing and emerging threats in the use of ICTs;
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Application of international law in the field of ICTs;
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Voluntary non-binding norms of responsible State behavior in the use of ICTs;
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Confidence-building measures between States; and
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Cooperation, assistance, and capacity building in the use of ICTs.
The course unpacks these pillars by explaining the key concepts, providing examples and interviews with relevant experts, and offering interactive exercises to apply what has been learned. After having completed the course, the participant will be familiar with the assessments and recommendations at the United Nations to promote an open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment.
Cyber Diplomacy in the USA, EU
US
The US Cyberspace Policy Strategy
The Department of State leads US government international cyber diplomacy efforts to advance US interests in cyberspace. Here is the Department’s International Cyberspace and Digital Policy Strategy.
EU
EU Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox
The EU adopted the Framework for a Joint EU Diplomatic Response to Malicious Cyber Activities (‘Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox’) to increase the EU's ability to prevent, discourage, deter and respond to malicious cyber activities.
UN
Global mechanism
11.07.2025 UN Member States agreed by consensus to establish a global mechanism to advance responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.
The UN norms are 11 voluntary and non-binding rules that describe what states should and should not be doing in cyberspace.
International Events
The Institute has a particular focus on expanding the opportunities for effective stakeholder engagement of civil society actors, academia, public diplomacy practitioners in international sustainable development processes, through communications, capacity building, and maintenance of participatory arrangements in international assemblies and institutions.
Let’s Work Together
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