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What does ECCRI do?

The European Cyber Conflict Research Initiative (ECCRI) promotes interdisciplinary research on cyber conflict and statecraft in Europe and beyond. Its mission is to make rigorous, objective research on these topics accessible to policymakers and the general public.

ECCRI encourages and supports high-quality original research and helps researchers communicate their findings. It runs a wide range of initiatives, from small writing workshops to an annual Big Cyber Ideas Festival. These events provide scholars and practitioners with a platform to discuss the latest developments in the field.

What is cyber conflict and statecraft?

Cyber conflict is the result of hacking and/or manipulation of digital devices and networks (usually known as cyberattacks) for political influence, disruption, or destruction. In addition to nation-states, various other entities, such as companies, criminals, and terrorists, are part of cyberconflict.

Statecraft refers to the principles, practices, and strategies used in the conduct of international politics – again, by both states and others. Cyber statecraft is statecraft relating to cyber conflict and encompasses areas such as internet governance, digital diplomacy, and a range of other technical and political forums addressing cyber conflict.

Why is this important?

Cyber conflict has become an important part of international politics. The frequency and severity of cyberattacks are increasing. Cyberattacks are central tools of military action and intelligence-gathering for many states. But hype often exceeds reality, and few states or other actors have reason to accurately explain the risks of cyber conflict in public. Careful, objective, and open research on this topic is needed more than ever.

Cyber conflict also affects people, as cyberattacks by states, companies, and others pose risks to the privacy, security, and human rights worldwide. This form of cyber conflict is perhaps even less well understood than inter-state dynamics. Thorough research and policy on the individual and interpersonal effects of cyber conflict is also urgently required.

Binding Hook

Binding Hook is a web outlet created by ECCRI to gather expert perspectives on digital and emerging technologies and security. It centres the conversation on Europe in its global context through opinions and analysis from practitioners and researchers.

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ECCRI is a UK Charitable Incorporated Organization. ECCRI’s Registered Charity Number is 1190782.

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