Digital Virus: How Covid-19 Intersected with Cyberspace to Impact International Politics

Abstract:Although Covid-19 has caused disruption to societies, governments and economies, states have used the crisis to pursue foreign policy goals in cyberspace, despite the best intentions of international organisations. The key events in the intersection of cyberspace, international politics and Covid-19 can be categorised as disinformation campaigns spread through social media and cyber events targeting vaccine development programmes or medicine regulators. The success of these means that cyber involvement in international politics will only increase, and could be described as an extension of power politics. Disinformation has been the ‘success story’ of the intersection of cyberspace and international relations. As countries slowly reopen, inevitable delays are likely to be a source of discontent. The significant minorities in democracies that have expressed reservations regarding vaccines appear to be an obvious target for a disinformation campaign. This means that Covid-19 may have a digital aftermath long after the pandemic subsides.