Publication
Advancing Accountability in Cyberspace: Models, Mechanisms, and Multistakeholder Approaches
About
Actor
Type
Themes & Topics
This report, a product of Stimson’s Cyber Accountability Project, presents findings from a two-year research effort aimed at improving international cyber accountability and deterring malicious cyber activities. Led by Allison Pytlak, James Siebens, and a team of experts, the project draws parallels between cyberspace and other threat domains, such as arms control, outer space, and human rights, where international norms and laws have been successfully implemented.
Through ten case studies, the report explores how accountability models used in these areas can be applied to cyberspace. It offers policymakers and stakeholders a toolkit of proven approaches to foster accountability, deter destructive cyber behavior, and promote positive incentive structures. The authors conclude that, despite the unique challenges of cyberspace, effective oversight is possible through multistakeholder efforts, political will, and both formal and informal mechanisms. The report provides a practical roadmap for enhancing responsible behavior in the cyber domain.
Related resources
Publication
Deterrence and Accountability
Authors
Year
- 2024
Description
- This report, a product of Stimson’s Cyber Accountability Project, presents findings from a two-yea…
Deterrence and Accountability
In cyberspace, the effectiveness of deterrence remains contested. Deterrence involves influencing adversary behavior in a way that prevents them from engaging in malicious acts. Deterrence necessitates similar conditions as accountability, such as transparency, openness, and the ability to impose consequences for undesirable behavior. To explore the relationship between accountability and […]
Publication
Cyber Accountability Building
Authors
Year
- 2024
Description
- This report, a product of Stimson’s Cyber Accountability Project, presents findings from a two-yea…
Cyber Accountability Building
This paper from Andrea Calderaro emphasizes the critical role of capacity in establishing accountability in cyberspace. It argues that for states to implement norms of responsible behavior, they must develop technical capabilities, access to information, and institutional resources. While capacity-building efforts have primarily targeted nation-states, the paper advocates for a […]
Publication
Accountability in Cyberspace: Lessons from and for Latin America
Authors
Year
- 2024
Description
- This report, a product of Stimson’s Cyber Accountability Project, presents findings from a two-yea…
Accountability in Cyberspace: Lessons from and for Latin America
In this research paper, Marie Louise Hurel explores the concept of accountability in cyberspace, drawing insights relevant to Latin America. As governments increasingly depend on third-party solutions in a privatized cybersecurity market, the notion of cyber accountability should be viewed as a shared responsibility. However, the first section of […]
Other resources
Tool
Developing a National Strategy for Cybersecurity
Authors
Year
- 2013
Description
- Microsoft strongly supports governments taking steps to protect their most essential information a…
Developing a National Strategy for Cybersecurity
Microsoft strongly supports governments taking steps to protect their most essential information and ICT systems—those needed to support national security, the economy, and public safety. A national cybersecurity strategy is critical for managing national-level cyber risks and developing appropriate legislation or regulation to support those efforts. As a global software […]
EU Cyber Direct
EU cyber diplomacy efforts are promoted via this initiative. Multi-stakeholder dialogues with strategic partners in the Americas and Asia-Pacific are conducted. Topics include international law in cyberspace, norms of responsible state behaviour and CBMs. Together, this effort contributes to a better understanding of EU cyber diplomacy and cyber resilience policies […]
Tool
UN GGE 2015 Report
Authors
Year
- 2015
Description
- Information and communications technologies (ICTs) provide immense opportunities and continue to gro…
UN GGE 2015 Report
Information and communications technologies (ICTs) provide immense opportunities and continue to grow in importance for the international community. However, there are disturbing trends that create risks to international peace and security. Effective cooperation among States is essential to reduce those risks. The 2015 Group of Governmental Experts on Developments in […]
Publication
A Roadmap to Strengthen US Cyber Enforcement
Authors
Year
- 2020
Description
- The following report is the result of a multiyear effort to define concrete steps to improve the US …
A Roadmap to Strengthen US Cyber Enforcement
The following report is the result of a multiyear effort to define concrete steps to improve the US government’s ability to tackle the scourge of cybercrime by better identifying perpetrators and imposing meaningful consequences on them and those behind their actions. A more complete PDF version of this report, including further […]






