Chatham House expert discusses vulnerabilities of undersea cables
by@Reuters
Summary
A new episode of The Big View podcast features a discussion with author Katja Bego about the vulnerabilities of the world's undersea cable network, which spans 1.4 million kilometers and plays a critical role in global communications. Recent geopolitical tensions, particularly those involving state-linked actors in the Baltic Sea, have heightened concerns over threats to this infrastructure, prompting governments and the industry to explore better security measures. Bego suggests that lessons from the early 20th century, when cables were targeted during conflicts, underscore the risks of weaponized interdependence in modern communications and the push toward greater technological sovereignty.
Analysis
Katja Bego: Katja Bego is a senior research fellow in the Europe program at Chatham House, where she focuses on European security, autonomy, and competitiveness, as well as geopolitical competition over new technology. She is the author of the book “Deep Connections: The Hidden Battles to Control Subsea Cables,” synthesizing research on the strategic importance and vulnerabilities of underwater infrastructure. She appears as the guest expert on the Reuters Breakingviews podcast discussing these issues with host Peter Thal Larsen. Chatham House: Chatham House is an independent policy institute in London dedicated to the analysis of international affairs and global challenges. Katja Bego serves there as a senior research fellow contributing expertise on European security and technology geopolitics. Her work at the institute underpins the research presented in her book and discussed on the podcast. Peter Thal Larsen: Peter Thal Larsen hosts The Big View podcast from Reuters Breakingviews, where he interviews experts on business, finance, and economics topics. In this episode, he explores the history, current vulnerabilities, and geopolitical dimensions of undersea cables with author Katja Bego. His role centers on drawing out insights into how this infrastructure has become a focal point for international rivalry. Historical Parallels: Lessons from early 20th-century cable dominance and wartime disruptions highlight risks of weaponized interdependence in modern communications infrastructure, encouraging efforts toward greater technological sovereignty. Geopolitical Tensions: Incidents involving suspected damage to undersea cables in sensitive regions like the Baltic Sea have drawn renewed policy attention amid broader concerns over gray-zone activities by state-linked actors. Infrastructure Protection: Governments and industry are examining measures such as enhanced redundancy, better landing station security, and monitoring to reduce vulnerabilities in the privately operated global cable network.
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techmacropolitics