Navigating through the geopolitics of internet cables

The strategic importance of these cables can have significant implications for national security and international relations. Internet cables are critical for the exchange of information, making them attractive targets for surveillance activities by both state and non-state actors.

Governments may seek to intercept or monitor communications passing through these cables for intelligence gathering purposes. This raises concerns about privacy and civil liberties, as well as the potential for abuse of power.

Internet cables are vulnerable to cyber threats, including state-sponsored attacks. State actors may attempt to compromise or disrupt these networks to gain an advantage in cyberspace or as part of broader geopolitical strategies.

Such attacks can have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only national security but also diplomatic relations between countries.

Certain geographic locations where internet cables converge or pass through narrow straits can become chokepoints of strategic control.

Countries that have control over these critical locations can exert influence and potentially disrupt or manipulate data flows. This control can be leveraged for political purposes, such as censorship, information manipulation, or even economic coercion. The security of internet cables necessitates robust policy and regulatory frameworks.

For instance, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides a legal framework for the protection of submarine cables and prohibits their unauthorized interference.

Additionally, there is the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), an international organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the safeguarding of undersea cables. It brings together governments, cable owners, and other stakeholders to exchange information, develop best practices, and coordinate efforts to ensure the security and integrity of submarine cable networks.

There are many cases of which countries try to exert power through these cables and a significant example would be China.

China’s Digital Silk Road initiative, is a part of its broader Belt and Road Initiative and through the construction of undersea cables, it aims to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa, extending its influence and promoting its technological standards in these regions. This project allows China to exert soft power and shape narratives by controlling the communication infrastructure.

Another example of politics influencing internet cables is seen in the intervention by the Australian government. In 2018, Australia decided to block the involvement of Chinese companies in the construction of its national 5G network, citing national security concerns.

This decision extended to undersea cables, with the Australian government exerting control over cable landing points and closely scrutinizing the involvement of foreign entities.

Such interventions highlight the role of politics in determining who has access to and control over critical communication infrastructure. The U.S. has also expressed concerns about China’s involvement in undersea cable projects, raising issues of strategic advantages and potential espionage.

This competition reflects the broader geopolitical tensions and power struggles between the two superpowers.

However, China isn’t the only nation that aims to hold control over these undersea cables.

Russia has been making efforts to establish its own undersea cable network, namely in the Arctic, though the project seems to have taken a slow pace. These initiatives aim to improve Russia’s digital connectivity, enhance communication capabilities in remote regions, and assert its influence in the Arctic region.

Australia has also recognized the importance of undersea cables for its national security and digital connectivity. The government has invested in initiatives like the Coral Sea Cable System, which connects Australia with Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, strengthening regional cooperation and ensuring secure communication channels.

Additionally, with major tech giants on its side, the United States has a strong presence in the undersea cable industry, with companies investing in cable projects.

The U.S. government plays a significant role in overseeing the security and regulation of these cables, ensuring data protection and safeguarding national interests.

It is worth noting that governments have the authority to regulate the deployment of undersea cables within their territorial waters, imposing specific conditions or restrictions. These regulations can be influenced by political considerations, such as national security concerns, economic interests, or the desire to maintain control over communication flows.

When it comes to these cables, the motivations behind these efforts vary, but they generally revolve around enhancing connectivity, protecting national interests, and asserting influence in the global digital landscape.

The competition for control over internet cables is indicative of the increasing importance of digital infrastructure in today’s interconnected world.