Discourse analysis and small state ‘cyber norms’: Estonia’s views on benefits, limitations, and cooperation

Abstract

Cyber norms are a topic of growing importance, but very little work has been done in relation to a small states ability to create and promote cyber norms. This thesis argues that Estonia is a traditional small state and seeks to determine how Estonia perceives its ability to create and promote cyber norms. To do this this Martha Finnemore’s theory of the cyber norm cultivation has been used. In addition, this thesis uses Alam and Chantzos theory on how the private sector contributes to the creation of norms to determine how successful Estonia has been at integrating the private sector. Five interviews were conducted with officials and experts that are knowledgeable on cyber issues, from a variety of departments in the Estonian government. Discourse analysis was used in order to analyze and determine the official the dominate view of Estonia in relation to three areas, protection of critical infrastructure, e-governance as a norm, and the free and open internet. Through discourse analysis official views on the ability of Estonia to create and promote norms in these areas was determined. In addition the benefits and limitations that Estonia faces while promoting norms and their perceived relationship with the private sector was also analyzed. This thesis finds that despite Estonia being considered a small state they perceive themselves as being fairly effective at promoting cyber norms in most of the areas. Estonia also perceives itself as facing many of the limitations that have traditionally been attributed to small states. Specifically, limited resources are perceived as limiting Estonia’s ability to promote cyber norms in most cases. The benefits that Estonia perceives itself to receive from the promotion of cyber norms is diverse and ranges from financial to the minimizing the risk of conflict by creating clarity. Like the diverse range of benefits that Estonia is perceived to receive from promoting these cyber norms, their ability to cooperate with the private sector varies from topic to topic. Some areas like the protection of critical infrastructure receive good cooperation between the private sector and Estonia, while other areas such as the promotion of a free and open internet or portrayed as having marginal cooperation and less of a need for cooperation.