SPP Assistant Professor Cameran Ashraf presented on "The Spatiality of Power in Cyberspace" during a workshop on state responses to cyber threats at the Center for Long-Term Cyber Security at UC Berkeley on November 4.
Ashraf's presentation focused on the blurring lines of sovereignty, borders, and territory in online communications in a globalizing world. Countries today are attempting to create policies for the internet using the existing rules of the international state system based on geographic borders and territories, noted Ashraf. However, during times of cyberwar, states ignore these boundaries in an attempt to "gather as much cyberpower as possible," asserted Ashraf.
In his current research, Ashraf is examining how state power manifests online during times of cyberwar and internet control through a "spatiality of power" model. Through this model, Ashraf aims to contribute a geopolitical perspective and reimagine the relationship between space and power in the international state system.
The workshop sparked discussions on the multidimensional relationship between state and non-state actors online, state responses to threats like cyber terrorism and cybercrime, and the role of supranational organizations in responding to cyber threats. "It was especially valuable to hear so many different perspectives – from people in academia, business, government, and the US military," commented Ashraf.