A Complex System Governance Theory and Conceptual Links to Cyber Diplomacy

Abstract

Cyber diplomacy is an emerging field of study and practice focusing on transborder coordination between sovereign actors in order to address issues of collective importance related to the digitalization of society, emerging technologies, the threat environment, and other consequences emerging from these developments. This article analyzes cyber diplomacy from the perspective of Complex System Governance theory, which is a framework of thought focusing on the viability of systems-of-systems. Cyber diplomacy can be integrated into such a systemic perspective through its role in communication and coordination among integrated actors. This analysis paves the way for future research into cyber diplomacy, including through modelling and simulation.