Cyber Diplomacy and National Sovereignty in AUKUS Alliance: Balancing Regional Strategic Interests with Collective Cyber Security Goals
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65879/3070-5789.2026.02.04Keywords:
Aukus alliance, Cyberdiplomacy, Cybersovereignty, Cyberspace, Geopolitics, Indo-pacific.Abstract
We must closely study the balance of interests within the AUKUS alliance, and the role of cyber diplomacy in this game of interests and power. Knowing that the alliance is constrained to address the challenges and issues of global instability, it primarily aims to strengthen the members' capabilities in cybersecurity and cyber defense. At this point, the desired balance among the members raises several questions and concerns. Regulatory frameworks, national interests, geopolitical and strategic issues, hegemony, and U.S. dominance all seem to be obstacles to the harmony and coherence of the alliance in achieving its objectives. In our study, we examine how the members manage these difficulties to eliminate obstacles to decision-making and deep cooperation. We also hope to understand how these states manage to maintain their sovereignties while contributing coherently and effectively to the alliance's collective cybersecurity strategy. Respect for national interests and the avoidance of establishing a hegemonic paradigm, etc., will be the main questions to examine in this work with a view to serving as a model for strengthening global cybersecurity and cyber governance.
References
[1] Arslan, A. S. & Department of Political Science and International Relations, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey. (2022). Neorealist Analysis of Security Dilemma in Cyberspace; A Quantitative Study. Department of Political Science and International Relations, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey. journal-article. Retrieved from https://preprints.apsanet.org/engage/apigateway/apsa/assets/orp/resource/item/6426247691074bccd08f c2 39/original/neorealist-analysis-of-security-dilemma-in-cyberspace-a-quantitative-study.pdf
[2] AUKUS Forum, (2024). Advanced Cyber Capabilities: A Pillar of the AUKUS Partnership. Retrieved from https://aukusforum.com/aukus-news/f/advanced-cyber-capabilities-a-pillar-of-the-aukus-partnership
[3] Babbage, R. (2024, July 29). Deterrence and alliance power: Why the AUKUS submarines matter and how they can be delivered. Lowy Institute. https://www.lowyinstitute.org/publications/deterrence-alliance-power-why-aukus-submarines-matter-how-they-can-be-delivered
[4] Barrinha, A. (2024). Cyber-diplomacy: The Emergence of a Transient Field. The Hague Journal of Diplomacy, 19(3), 439-466. https://doi.org/10.1163/1871191x-bja10183
[5] Bell, N., & Mbaziira, A. (2023). Exploring a Diplomatic System of Cooperation in the Cyber Space through a Proposed Cyber Diplomacy Cooperation Framework. International Conference on Cybersecurity and Cybercrime, 10, 7–11. https://doi.org/10.19107/CYBERCON.2023.01
[6] Buckland, B. S., Schreier, F., & Winkler, T. H. (n.d.). DCAF HORIZON 2015 WORKING PAPER 7. Retrieved from https://www.dcaf.ch/sites/default/files/ publications/documen ts/CyberPaper_3.6.pdf
[7] Cheng, M. (2022). AUKUS: The Changing Dynamic and Its Regional Implications. European Journal of Development Studies, 2(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejdevelop.2022.2.1.63
[8] Chernenko, E. (2018, February 9). Increasing International Cooperation in Cybersecurity and Adapting Cyber Norms. Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved from https://www.cfr.org/report/increasing-international-cooperation-cybersecurity-and-adapting-cyber-norms
[9] Delerue, F., Douzet, F., & Géry, A. (2020). Droit international et normes pour le cyberespace : ambiguïtés et instrumentalisation géopolitique. Études Internationales, 51(2), 287–312. Retrieved from https://www.erudit.org/fr/revues/ei/2020-v51-n2-ei06608/1084460ar.pdf
[10] Desforges, A. (2014). Les représentations du cyberespace : un outil géopolitique. Hérodote, n° 152-153(1), 67-81. https://doi.org/10.3917/her.152.0067.
[11] Dolan, Ch. (2024). Perspective Chapter: AUKUS Pillar 2 – Technology, Interoperability, and Advanced Capabilities in the Evolving Trilateral Security Partnership. Book Chapter: National Security in the Digital and Information Age. http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.1005189
[12] Dowse, A., (2024, February 8). Opportunities and Challenges of AUKUS | GJIA. Georgetown Journal of International Affairs. https://gjia.georgetown.edu/2024/02/07/opportunities-and-challenges-of-aukus/
[13] World Economic Forum (2024, September 10). Geopolitical rivalries are costly for global businesses. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/05/business-geopolitics-rivalries-private-sector-geoeconomis/
[14] Godovanyuk, K.. The Factor of Australia in British Foreign Policy. Journal of European Studies, 92(1), 308-314. http://dx.doi.org/10.1134/S1019331622100070
[15] Halvorsen, T., & Halvorsen, T. (2024, October 30). How technology and information sharing can help AUKUS protect the Indo-Pacific. IBM Blog. https://www.ibm.com/blog/how-technology-and-information-sharing-can-help-aukus-protect-the-indo-pacific/
[16] Hosh, M., & Issa, N. (2024). The Institutionalisation of Security Norms in the Context of Cyber Alignments: The Transatlantic Alignment in the Cyber Domain. Central European Journal of International and Security Studies, 18(2), 35–70. https://doi.org/10.51870/iluj7632
[17] Imannurdin, N. Y., Sudiarso, N. A., & Sianturi, N. D. (2024). The Impact Of The Aukus Alliance On China’s Influence In The Indo-Pacific Region. International Journal of Humanities Education and Social Sciences (IJHESS), 3(5). https://doi.org/10.55227/ijhess.v3i5.976
[18] John, J. V. (2024). Navigating Indo-Pacific Dynamics: The Four Phases of India-Japan Strategic Partnership - Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR). Retrieved from https://www.cppr.in/articles/india-japan-indo-pacific-strategic-partnership
[19] Kadlecová, L. (2024). Cyber Sovereignty: The Future of Governance in Cyberspace. Stanford University Press.
[20] Kaloudis, M. (2024). Digital Sovereignty as a Weapon of Diplomacy in Cyber Warfare in Democracies. In IntechOpen eBooks. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.1005231
[21] Karp, R., & Maass, R. W. (2024). Alliances and Partnerships in a Complex and Challenging Security Environment. (Nato allied command transformation & Old Dominion University). sact nato hq. Retrieved from https://www.act.nato.int/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NATO-AC24-Compendium.pdf
[22] Korwa, J. R., & Wambrauw, M. S. F. (2023). A Constructivist Analysis of the Establishment of the AUKUS Security Pact and its Implications for Regional Stability in the Indo-Pacific. Jurnal Hubungan Internasional, 16(1), 19–35. https://doi.org/10.20473/jhi.v16i1.36888
[23] Krasikov, D. V., & Lipkina, N. N. (2020). Sovereignty in Cyberspace: A Scholarly and Practical Discussion. Conference: XIV European-Asian Congress “the Value of Law.” https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.201205.028
[24] Leonova, O. (2022). The Impact of the Strategic Partnership AUKUS on the Geopolitical Situation in the Indo-Pacific Region. International Organisations Research Journal, 17(3), 194–211. https://doi.org/10.17323/1996-7845-2022-08
[25] Markowski, S., Wylie, R., & Chand, S. (2024). The AUKUS agreement: a new form of the plurilateral defence alliance? A view from downunder. Defense and Security Analysis, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/14751798.2024.2385704
[26] Moynihan, H. (2020, December 17). The Application of Sovereignty in Cyberspace [Chapter 2]. In The Application of International Law to State Cyberattacks (pp. 5-11). Chatham House. https://www.chathamhouse.org/2019/12/application-international-law-state-cyberattacks/2-application-sovereignty-cyberspace
[27] Murphy, T., & Nagy, S. (2024). Middle Power Cyber Security Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific: An Analysis Through the Lens of Neo-Middle Power Diplomacy. The Journal of Intelligence Conflict and Warfare, 7(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.21810/jicw.v7i1.6454
[28] Nindya, A. P., & Abiyya, R. A. (2022). The Influence of AUKUS to Indo-Pacific Regional Stability and Indonesia’s Stance. Jurnal Politica Dinamika Masalah Politik Dalam Negeri Dan Hubungan Internasional, 13(1), 67–84. https://doi.org/10.22212/jp.v13i1.2917
[29] Oancea, V. (2022). Establishing Effective Cyber Diplomacy and Deterrence Capabilities between International Partners. Proceedings of the International Conference on Cybersecurity and Cybercrime. 9(n), 113-116. https://www.academia.edu/9750 1257/E/stablishing/Effective/Cyber/Diplomacyand/Deterrence/Capabilitiesbetween/Internationa/Partners
[30] Poshedin, O. (2022). A New Enhanced Trilateral Security Partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the USA (AUKUS): Reasons for Creation, Consequences for International Security. Problems of World History, 19, 123–142. https://doi.org/10.46869/10.46869/2707-6776-2022-19-8
[31] Kennedy, J. & Sariguna, P. (2023). Analysis of the Indo-Pacific Outlook and Impact of the AUKUS Triatral Pact. International Journal for Research Publication and Seminars, 14(5), 197–213. https://doi.org/10.36676/jrps.v14.i5.1443
[32] Radanliev, P. (2024). Cyber diplomacy: defining the opportunities for cybersecurity and risks from Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Blockchains, and Quantum Computing. Journal of Cyber Security Technology, 1–51. https://doi.org/10.1080/23742917.2024.2312671
[33] Rooney, B., Johnson, G., Priebe, M., & RAND Corporation. (n.d.). How Does Defense Spending Affect Economic Growth? Retrieved from https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RRA700/RRA739-2/RAND_RRA7392.pdf#:~:text=URL%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rand.org%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2Frand%2Fpubs%2Fresearch_reports%2FRRA700%2FRRA739
[34] Russian International Affairs Council: The Strategic Impact of Expanding AUKUS in the Indo-Pacific. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://russiancouncil.ru/en/blogs/sufian-ullah/the-strategic-impact-of-expanding-aukus-in-the-indopacific/
[35] Ro’is, N. (2022). Cyber Sovereignty Gotong Royong, Indonesia’a Way of Dealing with the Challenges of Global Cyber Sovereignty. Pancasila and Law Review, 3(1), 15–30. https://doi.org/10.25041/plr.v3i1.2573
[36] Sendjaja, T., Irwandi, N., Prastiawan, E., Suryani, Y., & Fatmawati, E. (2024). Cybersecurity In The Digital Age: Developing Robust Strategies To Protect Against Evolving Global Digital Threats And Cyber Attacks. International Journal of Science and Society, 6(1), 1008–1019. https://doi.org/10.54783/ijsoc.v6i1.1098
[37] Schmitt, M. N. (2017). Tallinn manual 2.0 on the international law applicable to cyber operations. Cambridge University Press. https://assets.cambridge.org/97811071/7722 2/frontmatter/9781107177222_frontmatter.pdf
[38] Shen, Y. (2016). Cyber Sovereignty and the Governance of Global Cyberspace. Chinese Political Science Review, 1(1), 81–93. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41111-016-0002-6
[39] Shi, X.. Beyond AUKUS: the emerging grand maritime alliance. International Affairs, 98, 441–459. https://doi.org/10.1093/ia/iiac014
[40] Sumadinata, W. S. (2023). Analysis of the AUKUS Agreement on Security in the South China Sea Region. Neo Journal of Economy and Social Humanities, 1(4), 265–271. https://doi.org/10.56403/nejesh.v1i4.72
[41] Suparman, (S). Analysis of British Foreign Policy Forming the Australia, United Kingdom, and United States (AUKUS) Security Alliance in 2021. Asian Journal of Engineering, Social and Health, 3(3):548-555, https://doi.org/10.46799/ajesh.v3i3.260
[42] L’État, sujet et acteur du droit international public. (2026, February 8). Droits Africains Et Droit International. https://droitsafricainsonline.com/home/themes/introduction-au-droit-international-public/les-sujets-du-droit-international-public/letat-sujet-du-droit-international-public/
[43] The Indo-Pacific Defense Forum. (2024, November 12). Securing the Digital Future. Retrieved from https://ipdefenseforum.com/2024/11/securing-the-digital-future/
[44] Thomann, P. E., AUKUS, un triumvirat anglo-saxon dans l’Indo-Pacifique pour conserver l’hégémonie mondiale : quelle riposte géopolitique pour la France ? Non-alignement et Pivot vers la Russie – Eurocontinent. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.eurocontinent.eu /aukus-un-triumvirat-anglo-saxon-dans-lindo-pacifique-pour-conserver-lhegemonie-mondiale-quelle-riposte-geopolitique-pour-la-france/
[45] Tsvetkova, N., Sytnik, A., & Grishanina, T. (2022). Digital diplomacy and digital international relations: Challenges and new advantages. Vestnik of Saint Petersburg University International Relations, 15(2), 174–196. https://doi.org/10.21638/spbu06.2022.204
[46] U.S. Department of Defense. (2021). AUKUS: The Trilateral Security Partnership Between Australia, U.K. and U.S. https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/AUKUS/
[47] White House. (2021). Remarks by President Biden on the AUKUS Partnership. https://www.whitehouse.gov
[48] Wilkins, T. Is AUKUS really an ‘Alliance’?. Institute of South Asian Studies. https://www.isas.nus.edu.sg/papers/is-aukus-really-an-alliance/#_ftnref2
[49] Wyatt, A., Ryseff, J., Yoshiara, E., Boudreaux, B., Black, M., Black, J., & RAND Corporation. (2024). Towards AUKUS Collaboration on Responsible Military Artificial Intelligence: Co-Design and Co-Development of AI Among the United States, the UK and Australia. Research Report. RAND Corporation. Retrieved from https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand /pubs/research_reports/RRA3000/RRA3079-1/RAND_RRA3079-1.pdf
[50] Yulyanti, R. T. (2023). Strategy of indonesia maritime defense in the middle of Asia Pacific conflict potential implication of aukus vs people's republic of china. Jurnal Pertahanan & Bela Negara, 12, 175–192. https://doi.org/10.33172/jpbn.v12i2.1542
[51] Zinovieva, E. S. (2022). Cyber Diplomacy under Increased Competition Between the Great Powers. MGIMO Review of International Relations, 17(4), 27–47. https://doi.org/10.24833/2071-8160-2022-olf5
[52] Zinovieva, E., & Shitkov, S. (2023). Sovereignty as Practice in Digital Age. In Digital International Relations (pp. 75–90). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-3467-6_5
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 DR.KEZZOUTE MHAMMED (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
