Read the entire article open access here.

Abstract

The debate over a convention on international cyber security is long-standing, but recent developments suggest that treaty negotiations are becoming increasingly plausible. While Western and like-minded states have long opposed negotiations, Russia has consistently advocated for a treaty on ‘international information security’. Past developments, including the United Nations cybercrime negotiations, also initiated by Russia, suggest that resistance by Western states is not sustainable. This article assesses the likelihood of international cyber security treaty negotiations and draws lessons from developments in cyber diplomacy, coalition success factors in international negotiations and the cybercrime process to identify key factors Western states need to consider for developing a strategy. It explores three options: maintaining a ‘wait and see’ approach, advancing an interest-based counter-proposal or confidentially developing a negotiation position. By outlining these approaches, the article evaluates the risks and rewards of each, offering insights into how Western and like-minded states can safeguard their interests in potential treaty talks.