Cyber diplomacy in the European Union: the Estonian cyber diplomacy model and the experience of Ukraine

  • Post category:Issue XXIV

Viktor Matviienko
Doctor of History, Head of the Department of International Organisations and Diplomatic Service, Educational and Scientific Institute of International Relations, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv;

Hanna Petushkova
Postgraduate Student, Department of International Organisations and Diplomatic Service, Educational and Scientific Institute of International Relations, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv

DOI: 10.37837/2707-7683-2023-37

Abstract. The article discusses cyberspace, a key element in the contemporary international stage, which presents security challenges and opportunities for progressive development and cooperation among nations. The article focuses on two distinct concepts in the realm of international relations: digital diplomacy, an innovative approach that leverages digital technologies to facilitate related processes and achieve strategic initiatives, and cyber diplomacy, a sophisticated framework that employs diplomatic practices in cyberspace to assert and safeguard state interests.
The intricate realm of national and international cyberspace and cybersecurity reveals that the major challenges stem from human behaviour and technical factors. The authors analyse the experiences of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Estonia and Ukraine, highlighting structural differences within foreign policy agencies, human resources availability, and effective cyber diplomacy implementation situational cases. Consequently, the conclusion ascertains that Estonia can serve as a model for Ukraine to emulate in terms of adopting and applying successful experiences in establishing cyber diplomacy.
Furthermore, the article addresses the debatable subject of the inactive development of cyber diplomacy in Ukraine. It emphasises the importance of reassessing the vision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine regarding the advancement of cyber diplomacy and broadening the circle of adept diplomats who can adapt global cyber diplomacy practices to suit Ukrainian realities. The highlighted key points revolve around the necessity to foster cooperation with international partners and create platforms for exchanging ideas on cyber diplomacy issues.
Keywords: Cyber diplomacy, Estonia, cybersecurity, Ukraine, cyber security strategy, European Union, Ambassador-at-Large for Cyber Diplomacy.

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References

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  2. e-Estonia (no date) This is the story of the world’s most advanced digital society. Available at: https://e-estonia.com/story/ (Accessed: 20 July 2023).
  3. Ibid.
  4. e-Estonia (2019) Estonia takes on a major role in cyber diplomacy with a new department for international cooperation. Available at: https://e-estonia.com/estonia-cyber-diplomacy-international-cooperation/ (Accessed: 24 June 2023).
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  6. Ibid, P. 57.
  7. Ibid, P. 59.
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  11. Ibid.
  12. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (no date) Strukturni pidrozdily [MFA Structure]. Available at: https://mfa.gov.ua/pro-ministerstvo/struktura/strukturni-pidrozdili
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  16. Ibid.
  17. Ibid.
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  20. Ibid.
  21.  Ibid.