PSI 2220 - Global Cybersecurity

Credits: 4
This course plots the emergence of cybersecurity as a critical political issue around the world. Technological progress, accompanied by globalisation, has transformed the ways in which economic life is conducted. The increasing importance of information systems in conducting everyday activities - affecting supply chains, administration, and potentially resulting in the automation of large economic sectors - continues to expose increasing numbers of vulnerabilities to different state and non-state actors. Surveillance has been enabled, to a greater extent than previously believed possible, and the use of ‘big data’ to store multiple points of referenced data has extended the potential for invasive techniques. The development of remotely controlled and semi-autonomous weapon systems has also opened up further, important questions regarding the nature of state power and security in a networked society, which will be investigated by the course. The course aims to give students the ability to understand, assess and review the effectiveness of various cybersecurity strategies, including examination of those societies which have overtly restricted internet access. Additionally, social networks have impacted the way in which state propaganda is being disseminated. These questions are explored and students are encouraged to incorporate these into theories relating to international relations and comparative politics.
This course is offered at the Budapest campus.