Investigate the transformative impact of cybersecurity on global politics through undergraduate and graduate courses, focusing on cyber threats, governance, and strategic competition in Eurasia and Africa.
Undergraduate Course (Bachelor’s Level)
Uncover the pivotal role of cybersecurity in global politics with this undergraduate course, exploring cyber threats and international responses in Eurasia and Africa through engaging case studies and simulations.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand core concepts and terminology in cybersecurity.
- Identify key actors and types of cyber threats.
- Analyse cyber incidents through a geopolitical lens.
- Assess global and regional responses to cyber threats.
Assessment
- Class Participation (25%): Engage in discussions and group exercises.
- Case Study Report (25%): 1,500-word analysis of a cyber incident (e.g., African cybercrime). Due Week 8.
- Final Essay (50%): 3,000-word essay on cybersecurity’s geopolitical impact (e.g., Russian cyberattacks). Due Week 11.
Structure
- Introduction to Cybersecurity and Global Politics: Explores cybersecurity’s role in international security.
- State Actors and Cyber Operations: Examines state-driven cyber strategies in Eurasia.
- Non-State Threats: Analyses hacktivism, cybercrime, and terrorism in Africa and beyond.
- Cyberwarfare Case Studies: Studies Estonia (2007), Stuxnet (2010), and Ukraine (2015–22).
- National Cyber Strategies: Compares US, China, Russia, and EU approaches.
- Attribution and Deterrence: Investigates challenges in identifying and countering cyber threats.
- Global Cyber Governance: Explores UN norms and regional frameworks.
- Protecting Critical Infrastructure: Focuses on energy and digital infrastructure vulnerabilities.
- Information Warfare and Propaganda: Examines digital influence campaigns.
- Cybersecurity in Africa: Addresses cybercrime and capacity-building in the Global South.
- Simulation – Multinational Cyber Crisis Response: Simulates a global cyber response.
Graduate Course (Master’s Level)
Critically analyse cybersecurity’s impact on global order in this graduate course, interrogating strategic competition and governance frameworks in Eurasia and Africa through advanced research and simulations.
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate theoretical and strategic approaches to cybersecurity.
- Analyse cyberspace’s role in global conflict and power dynamics.
- Critique legal and institutional frameworks for cyber governance.
- Design strategic solutions for global cybersecurity challenges.
Assessment
- Class Participation (25%): Contribute to seminars and simulations.
- Case Study Report (25%): 2,000-word policy brief on a cyber issue (e.g., cyber norms). Due Week 8.
- Final Essay (50%): 5,000-word research paper on cybersecurity and global order (e.g., African cybersecurity). Due Week 11.
Structure
- Cybersecurity in IR Theory: Examines cybersecurity through realism and institutionalism.
- Evolution of Cyber Power: Analyses tools, tactics, and capabilities in Eurasia.
- Attribution and Escalation Control: Studies challenges in cyber conflict management.
- State Cyber Doctrines: Explores militarisation of cyberspace in Russia and China.
- Strategic Case Studies: Examines China–US, Russia–Ukraine, and Iran–Israel cyber conflicts.
- Global Cyber Governance: Critiques UN GGE, OEWG, and regional frameworks.
- Protecting Critical Infrastructure: Focuses on energy and digital system resilience.
- Digital Authoritarianism: Investigates sovereignty and control in cyberspace.
- Private Actors and Platforms: Analyses the role of tech companies in cybersecurity.
- Emerging Cyber Threats: Explores AI, quantum computing, and autonomous systems.
- Capstone Simulation – Multilateral Cyber Conflict: Simulates a UN-led crisis response.