As two likeminded regional leaders who maintain strong diplomatic ties with the Pacific Islands on a bilateral basis and through the Pacific Islands Forum. Australia and New Zealand have recognised the need to provide united leadership through collective partnership vis-à-vis the Pacific Islands who lack vital capacity in the cyber security domain.
It is a dynamic which may be in its infancy and the Antipodes have sought to step up assistance with their island neighbours through shared expertise and resources. In light of the global increase in cyber attacks that have rapidly evolved in complexity and intensity. The Pacific Islands may be geographically isolated – yet as well know – cyber security knows no borders so action must be taken.
However, has it been more rhetoric than reality or is it premature to draw such a conclusion? Events move fast – technology even more so – while diplomacy by default is not so agile. It need not be a hindrance as with all relationships they need to be nurtured. In essence, a critical appraisal is necessary before one can truly determine the value – if any – of Antipodean leadership.
Background
It was against the backdrop of the Pacific Islands Forum held in Nauru from the 3-6 September 2018 that provided impetus for regional leadership to emerge on cyber security. The annual gathering brought together the Pacific Islands as well as Australia and New Zealand which had prompted soul searching among its membership at how best to tackle challenges in the interests of the region.
As anchored in the Boe Declaration which expressed that over the years a narrow definition of security had prevailed in the region – and so with this in mind – a broader concept was needed to fully capture the multitude of threats the Pacific Islands face.
For instance, a case in point would be the attention given to Kiribati and climate change. It is an issue which no one can refute is ever pressing while what must not be lost is that there are many dimensions to security – the ongoing pandemic is another example.
Interdependence has brought this into sharp relief and a holistic approach from regional neighbours is paramount to address these challenges. In short, the Pacific Islands and the region should not ignore the risks that cyber security poses which can disrupt vulnerable economies and endanger lives.
PaCSON: permission granted
The Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network (PaCSON) is one such illustration where Australia and New Zealand have taken up the regional leadership mantle. The raison d’être of the PaCSON is to provide an essential network for participants to share cyber security threat information, tools, techniques and ideas.
Its establishment can be traced back to 2017 where Australia have provided funds from the outset as well as secretarial and logistical support which is managed from their Cyber Security Centre in Canberra. In a similar fashion, CERT NZ was designated as the inaugural chair which can also be viewed as a symbolic move that underscores Antipodean leadership.
As digital transformation has continued to gather pace in the Pacific. The Antipodes have been in lockstep when it comes to extolling the virtues that internet access can bring whilst they have not shied away from its risks and responsibilities when you harness its power.
This is why PaCSON should be seen as a step in the right direction and a welcomed piece of the cyber security puzzle in the region. It can play its part in fostering relationships with technical experts and act as a means to monitor progression through meaningful dialogue.
PaCSON: mission critical
The cyber security narrative is awash with technical jargon and acronyms which leaves the human element muted. If you pause for thought and take a step back to consider: cyberspace is no less human than the physical world.
We have to ask ourselves why are networks created in the first place? It is for human interaction. This is where Australia and New Zealand can really add value in the PaCSON whether that be to listen to concerns held by the Pacific Islands as well any identify any gaps that need to be tackled.
In tandem, the Antipodes can work to their strengths. Australia has provided the initial steer and the lion’s share of monetary resources. Nevertheless, it alone does not guarantee it will translate into results – and ultimately – success.
Leadership can take many forms and this is where New Zealand can also excel when it draws on its trusted reputation. For decades the human element has been at the centre of its foreign policy which is attuned to indigenous teachings and understandings of security – an asset to gain the ear and respect from their fellow Pacific Island neighbours.
Antipodes in arms: a critical appraisal
In recent years, the Antipodes have sharpened their focus on the Pacific region as a key geopolitical battleground. For Australia as evidenced in the Pacific Step-up and for New Zealand as echoed in the Pacific Reset. As such, it has become imperative to work in unison on cyber security matters where they can emphasise best practice and standards.
Why? If a leadership vacuum exists: do not be surprised if it is filled by a regional powerhouse whose authoritarian instincts are the antithesis to a free, open and secure internet. This is why it is essential to nurture relationships with their Pacific Islands neighbours to ensure they continue to promote the values that underpin the technology which citizens and businesses alike have benefitted.
As one looks back over the three-year period since the inception of the PaCSON and the Antipodes role. It is clear you cannot build capacity overnight so we are met with the following question. Have there been near-term achievements that signal they are headed in the right direction?
Australia and New Zealand have reached this far and will want to continue working in arms whether motivated out of goodwill to their neighbours or more rooted in strategic calculation – or even – both. Whatever that may be; no action on cyber security in the region is not an option and for this the Pacific Islands stand to gain from their efforts.