What should the role of the United States be in Internet Governance? Do you think International Institutions can be helpful in global cybersecurity?
I believe the role of the United States regarding internet governance is to stay relatively consistent with its current model by continuing to be an advocate for change. The consistencies include advocating for a free internet for everyone, collaborating with other like-minded countries to spread that same message, and working hard to mitigate cybercrime globally.
However, something to recognize is that while the U.S. can interfere with countries like China or Russia that have different forms of Internet Governance, they still are limited in reach. While I feel it is fine to try and push for countries with more controlling structures on the internet to change, another factor to recognize is differing internet norms. An important point from the article “Cybersecurity and the Concept of Norms” was how norms are not forced but fluctuate over time due to different factors. This includes things like laws, principles, cultures, and locations that influence common beliefs to be altered. So, while the U.S. can push for internet governance to focus on freedom, for countries that have a different structure, the factors around their norms will be the trigger for that change, and it cannot force that change.
I also understand the positive value that international institutions can have in supporting global cybersecurity. With not only the collaboration of other countries but also the financial power that comes with that, it presents an opportunity for two major groups to benefit from a unified effort to improve cybersecurity. A unified institution can create a solidified version of cybersecurity concepts that can be both broad and/or defined, clearing up potential misunderstandings that cause difficulty for countries in global cybersecurity. Due to the reach of the institution, the people of all countries included benefit from more secure systems and potentially an improved understanding of how to digitally protect themselves.
In conclusion, the U.S. should largely stay the same regarding its strategy on Internet governance. There should be a focus on collaboration and spreading a message of a free internet, but a just as important factor is not to overstep the boundaries of other countries due to differing norms and cyber norms. Also, an international institution has the potential to be a valuable pillar for global cybersecurity by providing clarity on cybersecurity for countries and giving cybersecurity resources to the people who need it.