20 October 2025

Bridging the Geopolitical Divide in Cyber Governance: The Role of Middle Power Cyber Diplomacy in Advancing Global Norms for Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace

Ana Paola Riveros Moreno de Tagle

Abstract: Great powers are actively trying to impose their views on responsible state behavior in cyberspace in an attempt to obtain a strategic advantage. Lack of convergence has fomented an increasingly fragile global arena where mistrust prevails. Although middle powers’ influence may face significant domestic and international constraints, they can play a stabilizing and constructive role in finding common ground among great powers, promoting norms, and building coalitions on responsible state behavior in cyberspace with the aim of contributing to a more peaceful, secure and stable digital environment for all.
Introduction

As the internet continues to exert growing influence in multiple aspects of our existence, conflicting visions about what constitutes responsible state behavior in cyberspace have become a key component of strategic competition. Great powers are actively trying to impose their views to obtain a strategic advantage that will help them consolidate their power in an international environment characterized by a zero-sum approach. Multiple efforts to establish consensus among governments are facing an impasse as great powers find it difficult to adopt compromises that may imperil their vital interests. Lack of convergence has fomented an increasingly fragile global arena where mistrust prevails, jeopardizing international security and stability, and evidencing the need to find innovative ways to advance agreements. This article argues that, given this complex global context, middle power cyber diplomacy can contribute to a more peaceful, secure and stable digital global environment by finding common ground among great powers, promoting norms, and building coalitions on responsible state behavior in cyberspace.

The Global Cyber Security Landscape

Over the past two decades, relevant stakeholders have been working towards the development of cyber norms that can reduce the risks posed to the international order by cyber threats. The most significant results to date have been produced by the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts (UN GGE), comprised of 25 members, including the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council. Between 2004 and 2021, the UN GGE produced important milestones: it confirmed that international law applies to cyberspace and is essential for maintaining peace and stability, and listed 11 voluntary non-binding norms on responsible state behavior in cyberspace.

No comments: