Digital Conflict
Today’s frontlines are shaped by technologies. From cyberattacks that disrupt adversaries’ systems, to the selection of military targets through AI tools, or the incitement of violence through coordinated disinformation networks, the nature of warfare is evolving.
HD uses discreet dialogue and mediation to reduce the risks posed by digital technologies for international peace and security. Through our innovative work in this domain, we are pioneering what it means to mediate conflict in the digital age. Since 2020, HD has convened technologists, governments, experts and communities to identify ways to ensure that technologies do not disrupt fragile peace or exacerbate conflict.
HD’s work on digital conflict falls under four programmes:
- HD’s social media and conflict mediation programme works to minimise the harmful effects of social media on peace processes and conflict. We have facilitated multiple ‘social media agreements’, demonstrating how online restraint can be negotiated, engaged with social media companies on conflict issues and worked with diplomats and negotiators to help them better understand and address disinformation.
- Read more about HD’s social media work in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Thailand and Nigeria.
- Check out our toolkits, developed in partnership with Build Up and UNDPPA, to help mediators analyse social media and monitor social media provisions in peace agreements.
- HD’s cyber mediation programme works to prevent unintended escalations and promote stability in cyber space through confidence-building measures (CBMs) and norms. We run tracks of dialogue in the Middle East, Asia and the Balkans, bringing states together to mitigate cyber threats. This work draws on and feeds into broader multilateral initiatives to create a global framework for cyber stability.
- HD’s Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies programme works to facilitate the development and adoption of effective international measures to address the risks posed by AI for international security and conflict. Our work spans both military and civilian applications of AI.
- Read about some of our early work on this, developing a Code of Conduct on artificial intelligence in military systems.
- HD’s Outer Space Security programme works to reduce the threat of armed conflict initiating in or extending into outer space through facilitating much-needed dialogue between key stakeholders.
- Read more about the conflict risks associated with outer space in our 2025 Oslo Forum report (background paper on Outer Space).
To enquire about HD’s Digital Conflict programme, please contact the team at digitalconflict@hdcentre.org
Photo: A social media card as part of HD’s work in Bosnia and Herzegovina to encourage responsible online conduct ahead of general elections. © HD
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