Global Digital Economy Vulnerable to Subsea Cable Disruptions: A Call for International Cooperation
Original framing: “Underwater and unprotected: why Asean and the EU must secure subsea lifelines” — South China Morning Post
The 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea established a framework for regulating subsea cables, but its provisions have been criticized for being inadequate in the face of great-power competition. A deeper understanding of the historical context and the evolution of international law is necessary to address the current challenges.
The global digital economy is vulnerable to subsea cable disruptions, which have significant implications for global communication, trade, and security.
To mitigate these risks, policymakers must work together to establish clear regulations and security protocols for subsea cables, promote regional cooperation and capacity-building, and develop a forward-looking strategy that takes into account the evolving global digital economy and the changing security landscape. The perspectives of indigenous communities and local stakeholders who may be affected by subsea cable disruptions must also be taken into account in any policy response. A deeper understanding of the historical context and the evolution of international law is necessary to address the current challenges, and policymakers must engage with marginalized voices and perspectives to ensure that their concerns are addressed.