Nkumba University
School of Social Sciences
Department of International Political Science
Course Title: Cybersecurity Issues in Diplomacy
Programs: MA in International Relations and Diplomacy / MA in Security Studies
Instructor: Mirembe Sarah |Mob: +256700584120 |Email:
[email protected]Course Description: This course explores the intersection of diplomacy, cybersecurity, and global
security in the 21st century. It analyzes how digital technologies have reshaped global conflict,
espionage, state power, and diplomatic interactions. Through a combination of theoretical
foundations and empirical case studies, students examine cyber strategies, international legal
frameworks, and real-world cyber incidents involving state and non-state actors. The course draws
on three main texts to balance strategic, legal, and operational perspectives.
Core Textbooks:
1. Reveron, Derek S. (2012). Cyberspace and National Security: Threats, Opportunities, and
Power in a Virtual World. Georgetown University Press.
2. Tikk, Eneken; Kaska, Kadri; & Vihul, Liis (2010). International Cyber Incidents: Legal
Considerations. NATO CCDCOE.
3. Valeriano, Brandon; Jensen, Benjamin; & Maness, Ryan (2018). Cyber Strategy: The
Evolving Character of Power and Coercion. Oxford University Press.
Course Objectives:
Understand key cybersecurity concepts and their relevance to international diplomacy.
Analyze state cyber strategies including coercion, espionage, and disruption.
Evaluate real-world case studies of international cyber incidents.
Interpret international legal and diplomatic responses to cyber threats.
Design policy briefs and strategic responses to cyber conflicts.
Course Schedule
Introduction to Cybersecurity and Diplomacy
Topics: Defining cyberspace, threats, sovereignty, diplomatic challenges
Readings: Reveron, Ch. 1 (pp. 3–20); Valeriano et al., Intro (pp. 1–6)
Cyber Threats and State Behavior
Topics: State-centric cyber threats, coercion, cyber political warfare
Readings: Valeriano et al., Ch. 1 (pp. 11–21), Reveron Ch. 4 (pp. 57–70)
Disruption, Espionage, and Degradation as Strategy
Topics: Typology of cyber strategies; strategic signaling
Readings: Valeriano et al., Ch. 2 (pp. 11–45), Reveron Ch. 3 (pp. 37–56)
Legal Frameworks and Norms in Cyberspace
Topics: Sovereignty, legal attribution, norms, UNGGE
Readings: Tikk et al., pp. 9–12, 25–30; 79-05, Reveron Ch. 5 (pp. 71–88)
International Cyber Incidents: Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania
Topics: Case-based legal and political analysis; hybrid warfare
Readings: Tikk et al., pp. 14–89 (case studies)
Cyber Deterrence and Restraint
Topics: Deterrence theory, challenges of cyber deterrence
Readings: Reveron Ch. 6–7 (pp. 89–120); Valeriano et al., Ch. 4 (pp. 65–84)
Attribution and Escalation Dynamics
Topics: Credibility, escalation management, misattribution risks
Readings: Valeriano et al., Ch. 3 (pp. 47–63); Tikk et al., pp. 101–104
National Approaches: U.S., Russia, China
Topics: Offensive and defensive strategies; cyber capabilities
Readings: Reveron Ch. 11–12 (pp. 173–206); Valeriano et al., Ch. 5–6 (pp. 85–115)
Strategic Cyber Competition and Rivalries
Topics: US-China rivalry, Russia's hybrid warfare, cyber arms races
Readings: Valeriano et al., Ch. 7 (pp. 117–136); Reveron Ch. 9 (pp. 139–158)
The Role of International Institutions
Topics: UN, NATO, EU, OSCE, and confidence-building measures
Readings: Reveron Ch. 10 (pp. 159–172); Ch 13 (pp.207-224); Tikk et al., pp. 91–102
Cyber Norms, Sovereignty, and Global Governance
Topics: Norm development, sovereignty in cyberspace, global cooperation
Readings: Reveron Ch. 13 (pp. 207–224); Valeriano et al., Conclusion (pp. 137–145)
Diplomacy in the Age of Cyber Conflict
Topics: Cyber diplomacy, negotiations, sanctions, and cyber norms
Readings: Tikk et al., pp. 101–104; Reveron Conclusion (pp. 225–230)
COURSEWORK QUESTIONS
1. Prepare a scholarly book review of Cyber Strategy: The Evolving Character of Power and
Coercion by Brandon Valeriano, Benjamin Jensen, and Ryan C. Maness. Your review
should critically assess the main arguments, theoretical framework and empirical findings
presented by the authors. Discuss how the book contributes to our understanding of
cyber power and state behavior in international politics. Reflect on its significance for
security studies. (Max 6 pages Deadline 27th/09/25)
2. Write a comprehensive analytical summary of Cyberspace and Natonal Security:
Threats, Opportunities and Power in a Virtual World, edited by Derek S. Reveron. Your
summary should highlight key themes across the chapters, including cyber threats,
governance, and military doctrine. The summary should also prompt further reading by
identifying chapters particularly relevant to national security and diplomatic strategy in
the cyber domain. (Max 4 pages Deadline 30th/10/25)
NOTE: Write your book Number on the front page of your coursework before submission
