M.A. Internet Governance and Security: The role of the EU and East Asia (090352-WS 24/25)

Internet, social media, mobiles, and other recent digital technology advances such as artificial intelligence have dramatically transformed local, national, and international spheres of life. These advances have also led to growing tensions between privacy, data protection, and security on one hand, and globalisation and national sovereignty on the other. Yet, no one entity is responsible for ownership, development, or regulation of the Internet, with the ability to govern or regulate the outcomes of these conflicting forces. Moreover, the Internet has disrupted traditional economic models and market behaviours, making Internet Governance (IG) a key area of policymaking today. IG concept may be loosely defined as the various sets of norms (legal and non-legal) that determine how the Internet and its related applications function. Topics like cybersecurity are increasingly in the focus of global policymaking. The way we manage and secure the Internet, as well as the use of the “inter-net” will shape much of our society, yet the growing significance of the Internet is not matched by effective and inclusive governance mechanisms. This seminar equips students with essential factual knowledge and analytical tools to better understand and appreciate the complexities of this emerging field of study. The seminar will be divided into three parts. The first part introduces the fundamental aspects of IG from a theoretical perspective. It explores IG approaches, geopolitics, and the roles of various actors in shaping critical policy, economic, and social outcomes. This section includes two exercises that integrate theoretical knowledge with practical research design and methods, focusing on regional perspectives (East Asia and the EU). These exercises enable students to examine current digital issues of their choice. The second part addresses the growing threats of cybersecurity and the evolving concerns over data governance and data security. It will also examine the increasing market power within the digital industry and its implications for policy and governance. The final section of the seminar focuses on regional dynamics, specifically in the EU, Japan, South Korea, and China. Students will conduct research on a topic relevant to their region of study, developing a research design and presenting their findings to their peers. These presentations will foster lively discussions and feedback, helping students refine their research skills for use in their M.A. thesis work.