Lebanon at the Crossroads: The Growing Intersection of Cybersecurity and Peacebuilding
In the late 1990s, Lebanon entered a new chapter marked by a gradual reduction in funding for military institutions. With no imminent threats on the horizon, resources were redirected towards peacekeeping and reconstruction efforts. Decades later, this shift has taken a modern twist: cybersecurity awareness and education are now central to many peacebuilding initiatives.
One standout example in Lebanon is the “CyberSouth” program, sponsored by the European Union and the Council of Europe. Focused on the Southern Neighborhood Region, this project aims to institutionalize and legislate cybersecurity policies while emphasizing the rule of law and human rights. Its primary mission is to create a smoother path for integrating cybersecurity awareness into national frameworks (“CyberSouth - Cybercrime”, 2021).
As cyberattacks, cyberespionage, and digital crimes surge globally, the definition of peace has expanded to include safeguarding cyberspace. The United Nations, for instance, has recognized this urgency, launching initiatives to apply international law in cyberspace and monitor cyber activities. This effort includes deploying "digital blue helmets," a cyber peacekeeping force designed to protect civilians, foster trust, and mitigate digital conflicts (Akatyev & James, 2017).
Cybersecurity Meets Peacebuilding: A Multi-Dimensional Approach
The convergence of cybersecurity and peacebuilding is reshaping social, economic, and political landscapes. In their book Cyber Peace: Charting a Path Toward a Sustainable, Stable, and Secure Cyberspace, Shackelford et al. (2022) argue that the merging of physical and cyber spaces has amplified political confrontations in the digital realm. Information and Communication Technology (ICT), they note, simultaneously fuels conflict and supports peacebuilding efforts. Intrastate tensions, particularly visible in the Global South, underscore the need for equitable cyber peace solutions.
One innovative response to these challenges is the United Nations’ “digital blue helmets.” This team not only defends against digital threats but also rebuilds trust and rehabilitates communities affected by cyber conflicts. Such measures are essential for addressing the growing imbalance in global cyber peace.
Economic Collaboration for a Secure Digital Future
On the economic front, the intersection of cybersecurity and peacebuilding has opened doors for new partnerships and funding opportunities. Cross-border collaborations have brought two major benefits: increased funding for governments and private sectors to enhance citizen cybersecurity, and the creation of support networks for conflict-affected nations. These initiatives foster the exchange of expertise and resources, enabling vulnerable regions to build resilient cybersecurity frameworks (Shackelford, 2020).
This collaborative approach is particularly significant for countries like Lebanon, where economic instability and political unrest complicate efforts to fortify digital defenses. By pooling resources and knowledge, nations can create a more secure cyberspace, even in fragile contexts.
The Social Fabric of Cybersecurity in Lebanon
Socially, Lebanon’s history of conflict continues to shape its approach to cybersecurity and peacebuilding. The concept of “fragile peace,” defined as a state without active violence but with lingering structural tensions, resonates deeply here. Collective trauma from the civil war and enduring sectarian divisions still influence societal behavior, both offline and online (Debiel & Klein, 2002).
This fragile peace underscores the need to address underlying tensions through cyber initiatives. For Lebanon, integrating cybersecurity into peacebuilding is not just a technical challenge but a societal necessity. By tackling the root causes of division and fostering trust, these efforts can strengthen the nation’s social fabric and support long-term stability.
A Vision for the Future
The growing overlap between cybersecurity and peacebuilding reflects a broader evolution in global priorities. For Lebanon, this intersection offers a pathway to address both historical and modern challenges. By leveraging international support, fostering collaboration, and addressing social tensions, the country can build a more secure and united future—both in cyberspace and beyond.
Sources:
European Union and Council of Europe. (2021, December 9). CyberSouth - cybercrime. Council of Europe. https://www.coe.int/en/web/cybercrime/cybersouth
Akatyev, N., & James, J. I. (2017, November 13). United Nations Digital Blue Helmets as a starting point for Cyber Peacekeeping. arXiv.org. https://arxiv.org/abs/1711.04502
Shackelford, S. J., Douzet, F., & Ankersen, C. (Eds.). (2022). Cyber Peace: Charting a Path Toward a Sustainable, Stable, and Secure Cyberspace. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Debiel, T., & Klein, A. (2002). Fragile peace: State failure, violence, and development in crisis regions. Zed Books.
