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:

1. Understand the challenges and emerging technological trends states face in cyberspace
2. Demonstrate a sophisticated appreciation of the emerging forces and technologies shaping the future of state and non-state interactions in cyberspace
3. Communicate analysis and argument related to cyber and emerging technologies, including properly applying correct terminology in technical and national security policy contexts
4. Demonstrate a good understanding of the measures, drivers and implications of cyberpower as well as the implications for cyber conflict and cyber cooperation
5. Analyse comparative national security strategies in cyberspace and emerging technology through case studies

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

CRAWFORD ACADEMIC SKILLS

The Crawford School of Public Policy has its own Academic Skills team dedicated to helping students to understand the academic expectations of studying at Crawford and succeed in their chosen program of study. Through individual appointments, course-embedded workshops and online resources, Crawford Academic Skills provides tailored advice to students keen to develop their academic reading, thinking, planning, writing, and presentation skills.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	What is the 'cyber' domain?This first week introduces students to competing interpretations of the ‘cyber domain’ and its significance for national and international security. It explores major differences in scholarship over the nature of cyber technology, the methodological and conceptual issues which confront cyber-focused research, and the influence of academic thinking over cyber practice.
2	Historical developmentsWhile cyber technologies are rapidly evolving, in many ways the practice of cyber security has changed little over the last several decades. This week reviews the key technological developments underpinning cyberspace, including several hacking incidents which played a formative role in the early development of cyber norms among states.
3	The threat environmentFrom intelligence operations to ransomware attacks, there is a diverse range of threats operating in the cyber domain. This week provides a broad overview of the security environment, covering the basic tradecraft employed in cyber-enabled intrusions, the risks arising from new innovations in computing technology, and the challenge of protecting digital information from insider threats.
4	The private sectorTech developers, infrastructure owners, security firms, and data brokers all exercise influence over the development and implementation of cyber security policy. This week addresses the complex role of these and other private cyber actors, the opportunity for public-private collaboration, and the competitive tension between government and industry in managing the most significant cyber threats.	First assignment due end of week 4
5	Deterrence and attributionCan traditional concepts of international security and military strategy apply to the more networked, decentralised structure of the internet? This week explores the complex process of detecting and punishing the perpetrators of cyber intrusions, and the use of threats to influencing the behaviour of foreign governments and criminal organisations.
6	Offensive operationsCyber is often associated with clandestine methods, but is there scope for more outwardly forceful demonstrations of power? This week explores the coercive capabilities which are being developed by states for cyber operations: how they are used, when they are successful, and whether they threaten to escalate cyber skirmishing into a more conventional military conflict.
7	The policy ecosystemWhich agencies or departments in the Australian government exercise responsibility for cyber security, and how do they work together? This week reviews Australia’s distinctive model for managing cyber security - the Australian Cyber Security Centre - and the most pressing legislative and regulatory issues arising from the 2023 Cyber Security Strategy.
8	Building national capabilityCyber security is a whole-of-nation endeavour which requires a generational change in social attitudes as much as new resources or policy initiatives. This week considers the long-term challenge of building national cyber power, and the policy tools which might help to educate and train an Australian cyber security workforce.
9	Diplomacy and governanceHow do Australia's cyber policies relate to its international relationships? From AUKUS to the United Nations, this week surveys the multilateral bodies and alliance arrangements influencing the development of national cyber security, the diplomatic mechanisms which support cyber initiatives, and the value of cyber power to Australian foreign policy.
10	Defence, security and crisis scenarios How might a contest within the cyber domain spill over into more conventional areas of Australian military planning and defence posture? This week investigates the cyber requirements of the defence and security agencies, the need for greater sovereign cyber warfighting capabilities, and how they might be engaged in future crises.	Second assignment due end of week 10
11	Emerging technologiesThis week considers some of the latest technological developments which seem poised to upend the cyber domain. What are the implications of artificial intelligence and quantum computing for the practice of cyber security? What policy demands are likely to result from these innovations, and what if anything can government officials do about them?
12	Social cohesionThe final teaching week considers the wider impact of the evolving cyber domain on society, and the ability of liberal democracies like Australia to properly function in the years ahead. From disinformation to discourse power, it will survey the cyber-enabled challenges for national resilience and public awareness.	Final assignment due in exam period (12 November)

Tutorial Registration

No registration required

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Short essay	20 %	16/08/2024	30/08/2024	1,2,3,4,5
Research Essay	50 %	11/10/2024	25/10/2024	1,2,3,4,5
Final assessment	20 %	12/11/2024	28/11/2024	1,2,3,4,5
Participation and engagement	10 %	*	28/11/2024	1,2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

A participation and engagement mark will be awarded based on active contribution to the fortnightly reading group discussion.

Examination(s)

No final exam

Assessment Task 1

Short essay

Due: 16 August 2024

Length: 1,200 - 1,500

Weighting: 20%

A short essay. Students will address one question from a list distributed in week one. Each question will pertain to a specific example taken from the first four weeks of the course. Use of course readings is encouraged, however please note that as per the marking rubric, to achieve the highest possible result, students will need to demonstrate initiative through engagement with wider sources. The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific’s Word Length and Excess Word Penalty Guidelines applies to this assessment item and can be found here.

Assessment Task 2

Research Essay

Due: 11 October 2024

Length: 3,000

Weighting: 50%

Students will address a single question from a list distributed in week one. Responses should be clear in their aims; they should have a concise statement of the intent of the piece, have clear and consistent relevance to the question, and make concrete claims as to the importance of the answer to the question addressed. Essays do not have to follow specific methodologies presented earlier in the class, however analytical rigor will be assessed in line with the rubric and students are encouraged to both think deeply on their approach, and to express that approach clearly in the text.

Students may request permission to write on a question of their own design, however permission will be granted on the basis of; 1) the question relating to a concept or technology relevant to the course, and 2) on the basis of the question being clear and concise.

The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific’s Word Length and Excess Word Penalty Guidelines applies to this assessment item and can be found here.

Assessment Task 3

Final assessment

Due: 12 November 2024

Length: 800-1,000 words

Weighting: 20%

Students will be tasked with developing a recommended course of action in one area of Australian cyber policy; this may be something taken from the course material, or an issue found elsewhere. Students will be assessed on the quality of their analysis and their clarity and relevance of their justifications, more so than form or content. The written portion itself does not need to conform to a specific essay or report format, and can instead be framed as a short opinion piece or policy paper if students choose. The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific’s Word Length and Excess Word Penalty Guidelines applies to this assessment item and can be found here.

Assessment Task 4

Participation and engagement

In addition to weekly lectures and seminars, this course will involve a fortnightly reading group, where the most influential, policy-relevant publications in the field will be critically analysed. Students will be expected to conduct their own research in advance of each reading group; identifying and consulting relevant sources and case studies, for use in group discussion. Your grade for engagement and participation will be based on evidence of your critical engagement with these readings, and your active contributions to class discussion.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

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.

Hardcopy Submission

None

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Work will be returned via Turnitin/gradebook within two weeks of submission

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students