This course is available for in-person and remote (online) learning.
The course examines cyber and other emerging technologies as a domain where states project power and protect their interests. It considers the interaction of state and non-state actors, cyber enabled conflict and cooperation, as well as cyber-enhanced tools of statecraft including espionage and information operations. It also considers how states are adapting to the threats and opportunities in this new domain, including those presented by emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), drones and artificial intelligence. Throughout, it explores the future of cyberspace and emerging technologies and the potential to disrupt ideas of national security.
Incorporating insights from scholars and practitioners at the ANU Cyber Institute as well as the wider academic and policy communities, this course draws from security studies, comparative politics, international law, psychology, and computer science. The focus of readings, lectures, and assessments will be more strategic than technical, though there will be coverage of the necessary technical vocabulary with which national security scholars and practitioners must be conversant. Throughout, global case studies are utilised to help illuminate different conceptual and theoretical perspectives, with an eye towards responsive security policy formulation.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand the challenges and emerging technological trends states face in cyberspace
- Demonstrate a sophisticated appreciation of the emerging forces and technologies shaping the future of state and non-state interactions in cyberspace
- Communicate analysis and argument related to cyber and emerging technologies, including properly applying correct terminology in technical and national security policy contexts
- Demonstrate a good understanding of the measures, drivers and implications of cyberpower as well as the implications for cyber conflict and cyber cooperation
- Analyse comparative national security strategies in cyberspace and emerging technology through case studies
Indicative Assessment
- Scholarly Op Ed (30) [LO 1,2,4,5]
- Response Analysis (35) [LO 1,2,3,5]
- Final Paper (35) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Weekly lectures and discussions for a 12 week semester. In addition the expectation of a further independent study to total 130 over the duration of the semester.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
A list of readings will be provided in lieu of a prescribed text.
Preliminary Reading
Myriam Dunn Cavelty and Andreas Wenger “Cyber security meets security politics: complex technology, fragmented politics and networked science” Contemporary Security Policy 41, 1 (2020): 5-32.
Marcus Willett, “Assessing Cyber Power”, Survival 61 (2019): 85-90.
Citron Chesney, “Deep Fakes: A Looming Challenge for Privacy, Democracy, and National Security”, 107 Calif. L. Rev. 1753 (2019)
Lawrence J. Trautman and Peter C. Ormerod, “Industrial Cyber Vulnerabilities: Lessons from Stuxnet and the Internet of Things” University of Miami Law Review 72, no. 3 (Spring 2018): 761-826.
Jennifer Hunt, “For sale, cheap: Armed Drones” Lowy Interpreter, 6 July 2017.
Gary Brown, “Spying and fighting in cyberspace: What is which?” Journal of National Security Law and Policy 8 (2016): 1-22.
Lesley Seebeck. “Cadence, War and Security” Australian Journal of International Affairs, 58, 4 (2004): 494-510.
Adam Henschke "Privacy, The Internet Of Things And State Surveillance - Handling Personal Information Within An Inhuman System." Moral Philosophy And Politics (2021 forthcoming)
Florian J. Egloff, “Contested public attribution of cyber incidents and the role of academia” Contemporary Security Policy 41, 1, (2020): 55-81.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $4200 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $6000 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
