Cyberspace and International Relations ― Theory, Prospects and Challenges

Cyberspace is everywhere in today's world and has significant implications not only for global economic activity, but also for international politics and transnational social relations. This compilation addresses for the first time the “cyberization” of international relations - the growing dependence of actors in IR on the infrastructure and instruments of the internet, and the penetration of cyberspace into all fields of their activities. The volume approaches this topical issue in a comprehensive and interdisciplinary fashion, bringing together scholars from disciplines such as IR, security studies, ICT studies and philosophy as well as experts from everyday cyber-practice. In the first part, concepts and theories are presented to shed light on the relationship between cyberspace and international relations, discussing implications for the discipline and presenting fresh and innovative theoretical approaches. Contributions in the second part focus on specific empirical fields of activity (security, economy, diplomacy, cultural activity, transnational communication, critical infrastructure, cyber espionage, social media, and more) and address emerging challenges and prospects for international politics and relations.

Jan-Frederik Kremer heads the research group “Economy and Finance” at the Center for Global Studies, University of Bonn, where he works as research fellow and lecturer. He studied Political Science, History, Economics and Philosophy at the Ruhr University Bochum and is PhD Candidate in the PhD program “International Development Studies” at the Institute of Development Research and Development Policy (IEE) and member of the DFG funded “Research School”. He was awarded several scholarships, like the Bronnbacher Scholarship and numerous DAAD and DFG travel and conference grants. He was a visiting scholar at the Miami-Florida European Union Center, University of Miami, and at the University of the Western Cape, South-Africa. He is (co)-author and (co)-editor of a number of publications, like “Power in the 21st Century – International Security and International Political Economy in a Changing World”, “Towards an New Understanding of Structural Power”, “Global Power Europe, Volume 1 and 2” and “Innovative Capabilities and Market Performance: The European Union in International Comparison”. Jan-Frederik presents his work frequently at major international (ISA, BISA, ECPR) and national (DGPW) conferences. Jan-Frederik is also Co-Initiator of cnsltnts and has conducted consultancy projects in South-Africa, the US and Germany. Benedikt Muller is a technology consultant at Accenture with prior work experience as a technical sales professional at IBM. He holds a Bachelor's degree in International Management and a Master's degree in IT Management. His research interests revolve around the business impact of technology and the political and economic impact of cyber security.