Managing a digital revolution: cyber security capacity building in Myanmar

Written by

Research Professor, Head of the Research group on security and defense, Head of NUPI's Research Centere on New Technology

Lars Gjesvik

Senior Research Fellow

Ed.

Summary:

Digitalization is exposing developing countries to a growing number of risks as well as opportunities associated with connecting to the Internet. Myanmar stands out as a critical case of both the pitfalls and the benefits Internet connection can bring. Amidst a political transition from military rule to a functioning democracy Myanmar is adding ICT to key areas like banking and e-government. Having been one of the least connected countries in the world only five years ago the country is now connecting to the Internet at an unprecedented pace, with few institutions in place to ensure the transition goes smoothly. The rapid expansion of Internet connectivity is connecting ever more people to an international world of business, discourse, and entertainment, but also crime, subterfuge, and discord. A crucial aspect for development in the years to come will be the harnessing of the benefits, as well as mitigating the downsides that inherently follow in the wake of Internet access (Schia, 2018). In this chapter, we examine the risks and potential benefits of Myanmar’s embracement of digital technologies.

Page count: 30
Language: English
Title of book/report: Routledge Companion to Global Cyber-Security Strategy
Part description:
Chapter 30
URL 1: https://www.routledge.com/Routledge-Companion-to-Global-Cyber-Security-Strategy/Romaniuk-Manjikian/p/book/9780429399718
URL 3: