6 Overview Of Existing Confidence Building Measures As Applied To Cyberspace Global Forum on Cyber Expertise Global Forum on Cyber Expertise What are confidence building measures? Overview Of Existing Confidence Building Measures As Applied To Cyberspace Characteristics identified by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for successful non-military CBMs3 Reciprocity Incremental Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) are not a new tool in the international diplomacy toolbox. Over the past century they have helped to defuse tensions on numerous occasions, Long-term as well as served to guide states’ behavior resulting in more stable and predictable international relations. Predictability CBMs are typically defined as actions and processes designed to reduce or eliminate the causes of mistrust, tensions and hostilities between and among states that could fuel arms races or lead to escalations and actual conflicts. Transparency In many ways, they have traditionally acted as pressure valves. This has been done through enhancing states’ understanding of one another’s government structures, threat perceptions, and military capabilities. Reliability For example, within the military realm, advance notice of military maneuvers and exercises, and greater Although short-term situations may be unequal, the long-term measures, concessions, commitments and advantage must be balanced and mutually acceptable. Starting with merely symbolic measures, CBMs may be progressively implemented in evolutionary stages of increasing significance. Irrespective of any short-term progress or temporary set-backs, CBMs need to achieve sustained results on the long run. As unpredictable behaviour may trigger unintended responses, the nature, scope and content of CBMs should promote parties’ predictable behaviour. The intent and modalities of a CBM should be obvious, open and unambiguous. There should be no room for misinterpretation of its purposes. Proposed CBMs need to be realistic, and already initiated CBMs need to be carried through. Hence, CBMs need to be reliable. transparency in military budgets, strategic doctrine, and legal interpretations all serve as valuable CBMs that can reduce suspicions about, and increase understanding of other nations’ capabilities and intent. Consistency Probably the most well-known example of a CBM is the establishment of a “hot line”, a direct line of CBMs should be consistent with regard to topics, messages or target groups. Inconsistency will eventually lead to mistrust that undermines the entire CBM process. communication, between two heads of state that can help to quickly clarify any misperceptions that could have significant consequences. Communication Given their demonstrable effectiveness in ameliorating risk of military conflict, the use of CBMs has expanded to touch on the economic, environmental, and societal sectors as well. This includes the Verification development of joint infrastructure and community development projects, joint responses to disaster relief, and the establishment of working groups to facilitate person-to-person exchanges to promote tolerance and Appropriate communication channels are required to provide for direct dialogue to clarify potential misunderstandings, misperceptions or mistakes. Particularly in cases where reciprocity is expected, verification (possibly by third parties) is an important component in reducing parties’ fear and mistrust. The successful long-term implementation of CBMs depends on the voluntary engagement and mutual understanding. In each instance, these CBMs are tailored to the specific context governments are Local ownership trying to address, but the underlying ambition remains the same: build trust and increase confidence real commitment of all parties. To that extent the interests, concerns, needs and priorities of all relevant parties must be taken into account. among parties to a potential conflict. Multi-level Furthermore, the use of CBMs may, over time, result in other beneficial outcomes as well. They can help identify and address potential areas of disagreement in terms of the background norms (or laws) for state CBMs can be developed top-down or bottom-up, but involvement of both government structures and civil society at large is an essential prerequisite for lasting success. behavior. In addition, in areas where there is limited agreement on what international legal principles might apply, CBMs can serve as bridges to a common understanding of what acceptable international norms of behavior might be. As such, CBMs can act as precursors to the establishment and reinforcement of international norms. 3 https://www.osce.org/secretariat/91082?download=true 7