Cooperative International Approaches to Network Security: Understanding and Assessing OECD and ITU Efforts to Promote Shared Cybersecurity

Abstract

States have accentuated efforts to build cybersecurity strategies and offensive and defensive capabilities in the last two decades. While states have balanced efforts to promote mobility of capital, people, and goods and services with security measures to protect fixed investment and national assets, these efforts suggest a shift in the mix of openness and control. While this balance has long been a part of states’ foreign policy and international relations, the promotion of network security highlights some core tensions between international conflict and cooperation in promoting cybersecurity. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) have emphasized cooperation among participants in preventing harm to the network and in enhancing a “culture of security.” The ITU has a longstanding principle of preventing harm to the network, and Anthony Rutkowski argues that this extends to new online networks and services. These international efforts aim to build a broad international community of participants promoting the security of physical networks, applications and uses, content, and data about individuals. The chapter examines these international efforts to advance cooperative approaches to network security and cybersecurity. It assesses these multilateral efforts in light of recent moves by states to advance more strategic national approaches to network security.