Executive Summary

This brief considers the structures in place across Asia and the European Union (EU) to enable better international military cooperation for cyber-related incidents. Improved mechanisms for international military cooperation are important given (i) the nature of cyber threats; (ii) the growing interest in cyber capabilities that are inherently difficult to control with arms control mechanisms; and (iii) an increasing recognition by many states of cyber as another domain for military operations. Moreover, operations are becoming increasingly dependent on the availability of a secure digital environment. However, cooperation structures are at a relatively early stage of development and they are still evolving.

This brief therefore outlines how international cooperation — including confidence-building measures (CBMs) — might assist a better exchange of information over the near to medium future to increase cyber defence effectiveness as well as enhanced stability. Lastly, it identifies several best practices and possible opportunities for further cooperation, specifically between Asia and Europe.

About the Author

Caitríona H. Heinl is a Research Fellow responsible for research on cybersecurity matters under the Homeland Defence Programme at the Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS) within the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS). CENS is a research unit which works closely with the National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS) within the Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore.