In “National Cyber Security Strategy and the Emergence of Strong Digital Borders,” Sanjay Goel explores how growing cyber threats and geopolitical tensions have prompted nations to increasingly regulate the internet within their borders, leading to the emergence of the Balkanization of the internet. Goel traces the evolution of cyber warfare, detailing major state-sponsored cyberattacks such as Stuxnet, which have escalated in sophistication and geopolitical impact. In response, many countries, especially China, Russia, and others are enforcing stricter controls over information flow and advocating for cyber sovereignty, often under the guise of national security, which sometimes also supports authoritarian censorship. While international efforts like the Tallinn Manual and UN discussions aim to set cyber norms and deescalate digital arms races, global consensus remains elusive. Goel concludes that without mutual trust, transparency, and enforceable norms, the unchecked spread of cyber weapons and tightening of digital borders could undermine global connectivity, economic progress, and democratic values.
