05 June 2024, NIICE Commentary 9199
Jhanvi Jain & Ainesh Dey

In current times with the rise in environmental crises like global warming, deforestation, and wildfires in the geopolitical scenario, it becomes imperative to collaborate and cooperate with other nations to find solutions to such crises, at the global level. However, with every nation’s ulterior motive being involved, sharing environment or resource-related information can prove to be hazardous for the various nations and states especially in the international sphere.

The larger relationship between environment-related information, global partnership, and the possibility of espionage then becomes intertwined. Moreover, this delicate intertwining of these seamlessly connected dynamics of international relations, yet the divergently different motives with which each nation-state might be cooperating highlights the transition in international relations, the changing nature of espionage, and the need to keep pace with these spaces.

Interconnectedness and the Multifaceted Impact of Information Sharing

 Some might question the necessity to share environment-related information since it can be potentially susceptible to espionage and the answer to this question is multifaceted. Now in the current context of globalization, seamless connectivity, and collaboration – a nation hypothetically holding back environment-related information needed for collaboration and cooperation, gets affected economically by the nation from which it is withholding the information, as a result of multifarious social, economic and political pressures emanating from the latter.

The aforementioned premise, thereby draws on the multifaceted nature of the global sphere. The various dynamics of this sphere are integrated in such a way that the behavior of a state in the supposed economic sphere will affect it politically, culturally, and symbolically i.e. the way the particular state is represented through its symbols, anthem, popular figures, etc, highlighting the broader importance of diplomacy. Given the nuanced implications of the intricacies of surveillance mechanisms, diplomacy in practice as stated above, needs to equip itself in such a way that it can adapt well to the changing times. With exhilarating advances in technology and the openness of the economy, the flow of information cannot be controlled.

Diplomatic processes inclusive of negotiation and dialogue involve tacit handling of seemingly paradoxical yet the realities of current times, to exert a certain degree of control. Efficient and effective diplomacy in the international realm makes this control to a certain degree beneficial for the state at large.

This brings us to another important point that it is not just diplomacy alone that shall be responsible for exercising the control of information, but a wider network of various public sector departments like cybersecurity departments, external affairs ministry, national security departments, etc, which work together to make sure that the diplomacy is able to effectively exercise a measure of desirable control.

Navigating Global Complexity: Espionage, Diplomacy and the Private Sector

With the seamlessly multifaceted nature of the international realm, the potential of espionage involving the practice of spying or of using spies, typically by governments to obtain political and military information alongside the importance of diplomacy with its well-connected network of departments and sectors, brings in another critical issue which is about the private sector companies.

Given that the lines between privatization and the public sector remain blurred, a paradox of private companies being more efficient and effective in their leverage of cybersecurity, takes shape, despite the susceptibility of private sector companies to deal with other countries where there is a greater incidence of information leakage.

The premise of ever-active vigilance which yet again takes different forms, when it comes to ensuring that adaptability to the different changes taking place worldwide, is ensured to create and maintain an advantageous position, the status quo in terms of security, integrity etc, becomes more pronounced.

Complexity of Cyberspace Governance in the Contemporary Framework

Critical issues stemming from this relatively multifaceted context of the information space,  pertaining to the freedom that cyberspace enjoys. The lack of rules, and laws that could make cyberspace binding is lacking, and that makes regulations further difficult. Although, it should be noted that some laws and regulations are prevalent in cyberspace internationally like 11 voluntary and non-binding norms of responsible state behavior in cyberspace, articulated in the 2015 U.N. Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) report.

Furthermore, even ASEAN has remained resolute and steadfast in its commitment to cyber stability. It has led the way to create a rules-based multilateral order in cyberspace, through cyber norms implementation. The protection of national and cross-border critical infrastructure supporting essential regional communications, trade, transportation, and logistics services yet their effectiveness remains a contentious issue.

The reason is that bodies like the UN, and ASEAN are supernumerary extra-governmental bodies that do not enjoy sovereignty thereby a lack of effective legal force. The implication is that even though certain rules and laws govern cyberspace, it lacks sanctions which automatically makes its binding power null and void thereby becoming a subject of easy refutation by the states by and large.

Case Studies 

On a holistic note, several unique case studies elaborate on the nature of environmental espionage or covert gathering of information related to environmental activities, policies, and practices carried out by individuals, organizations, or governments.

    1. The Kundakulum Nuclear Plant Cyber Attack

Environmental espionage specifically focuses on obtaining confidential or classified data related to environmental issues, such as pollution levels, resource management, conservation strategies, and environmental regulations can be highlighted through the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Cyber Attack in 2012 in India.

In this particular case, a third party called DTrack was used by hackers to attack financial and research centres in India. It attacked the computer system in the power plant and retrieved information related to the nuclear power resources in India, the further plan of action that the Indian Government has with regards to nuclear power plants in the future which thereby attacked the security system of India, confidential information sensitive for with regards to the security of India at large.

An important point that should be noted is that the cyber attack on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant was in collaboration with the Russian government and a third party called DTrack identified as a North Korea-based company that was trying to infringe upon the security of India.  This can be possibly attributed to the sensitive yet strained relations between the Russian government and the North Korean government, however, it should be taken into consideration that despite a warning to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) from the cybersecurity forces in India about a potential cyber attack, it chose to ignore the warning and this brings into role the importance of ever active vigilance that was highlighted before.

   2. The South China Sea:

Another similar instance that can be pointed out is about the activities in the South China Sea whereby several countries especially China, Indonesia along with Australia, the USA, and India say that they are carrying out maritime-related research and surveys but it’s a front for the carrying out of military activities and the new form of spying in contemporary times whereby the states are constantly trying to acquire information with regards to the deployment of military or naval ships, etc.

   3. Technical Disruptions in the Middle East:

Furthermore, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East often revolve around water scarcity. Countries like Israel, Jordan, and Palestine have been involved in disputes over access to water resources. In this regard, espionage or covert information gathering may occur in these regions to gain insights into water management strategies, plans, or technological advancements related to water conservation.

   4. Arctic Resource Exploration:

A major premise revolves around the exploration of resources in the Arctic. As the Arctic ice melts due to climate change, the region becomes more accessible for resource exploration. Countries like Russia, the United States, Canada, Denmark, and Norway have interests in the potential oil, gas, and mineral resources. Information related to exploration plans, environmental impact assessments, and resource estimates could be of strategic importance, leading to potential espionage activities.

With cyberspace being a free space, rule-free, and with advanced technological developments, the paradoxical nature of withholding environment-related information as replete in the aforementioned instances, the need to share information in contemporary times of collaboration and cooperation through effective diplomacy and ever-active vigilance shows that the space is a constantly evolving space in the arena of geopolitics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, environmental espionage has significant geopolitical implications, affecting state relations, environment protection efforts, technological innovation and strategic interests. The covert acquisition of environmental information and technologies can disrupt international cooperation, stain diplomatic relations and influence resource security and power dynamics among nations.

Additionally, the repercussions of environmental espionage extend far beyond the immediate geopolitical arena, permeating into the very fabric of global sustainability and environmental stewardship. The clandestine acquisition of environmentally sensitive data can compromise the integrity of conservation efforts, exacerbate ecological vulnerabilities and impede the progress towards collective climate action. Furthermore, it undermines the trust necessary for effective environmental governance and co-operation, hindering the international community’s ability to address effective issues of climate change, deforestation and biodiversity loss.

Addressing the challenges posed by environmental espionage requires a concerted effort to promote trust, transparency and co-operation. Only through collaborative efforts can the international community mitigate the negative geo-political impacts of information sharing and advance shared goals for the benefit of all nations and future generations.

Jhanvi Jain is currently pursuing her B.A. (Hons.) in Political Science at St Xavier’s College, Kolkata, India & Ainesh Dey is a Research Intern at NIICE.