Kimberly Marten, professor of political science, served as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) independent task force on cybersecurity, which published its findings and recommendations on July 12. Founded in 1921, the CFR is a NYC-based think tank specializing in U.S. foreign policy and international relations. Its cybersecurity task force, which was formed in response to increasing cyber attacks and exploitation of social media platforms, focuses on issues of critical importance to U.S. foreign policy in cyberspace.
Because countries around the world are vying for greater control over the internet as a tool to influence users and launch political campaigns, members of the task force argue that the United States must develop new foreign policies for cyberspace that will combat an increasingly fragmented and dangerous internet. Major recommendations from these experts on international relations and cybersecurity include launching an international cybercrime center, building a digital trade agreement, and adopting a shared policy on digital privacy. Additionally, the task force asserts that it may be necessary to negotiate with adversaries to establish limits on cyber operations directed at nuclear command, control, and communications systems.