Josh Gold's Visiting Fellowship
Earlier this month, Josh Gold joined us for a Visiting Fellowship at The Hague Program for Cyber Norms at Leiden University’s The Hague Campus. We sat down with him to hear about his fellowship experience.
Why were you interested in coming here?
Since January 2019, I have been working on a research project at the University of Toronto under the direction of Professor Ronald J. Deibert, which looks at Canadian cyberspace foreign policy. I ultimately hope to offer a couple specific policy proposals for Canada, and a key area for these is international governance efforts, i.e.: norms. While I had pored through much of the literature on cyber norms, I felt that my research would benefit significantly from greater understanding. In particular, I was attracted to the Program’s fellowship both because it would allow me to discuss my ideas with experts, and also because it would allow me to learn more about what Canada's like-minded allies in Europe are doing and thinking vis-à-vis norms. Essentially, my time at the Program would offer me an in-depth look at a central element to my research project.
Being less experienced than previous fellows, I was not sure whether or not I would be accepted for this fellowship. I am very happy and feel very privileged to have had this opportunity and I feel it will prove to be a springboard for launching me further, in both my academic and professional careers.
What did you work on during your fellowship?
While in The Hague I looked at cyber norms, seeking to more specifically understand the European approaches to these norms, as well as to gain an understanding of the work done by several important cyber norms-related institutions based in The Hague, such as the GCSC and the GFCE. I attended an interesting lecture delivered by ambassador Sorin Ducaru, and set up many meetings with leading academics, experts, policymakers and government representatives, both in The Hague and in Brussels. My fellowship allowed me to greatly extend my own knowledge and network, leaving me in a much better place as I advance my research throughout the summer.
A specific area of focus for me was understanding the implications of the UN's parallel GGE and OEWG groups, which will work over the next couple years in an attempt to further the global cyber norms discussion.
What’s next for you?
My research with Prof. Deibert will continue throughout the summer, and likely until December 2019. My current cyber threat intelligence contract with CyberCube ends in mid-June, after which I will be off to Estonia both for research, and for cultural events such as the 'ESTO2019' Estonian diaspora festival, and the Song Festival. Beginning in autumn 2019, I hope to work in Ottawa, in cybersecurity.
Are you also interested to join our Visiting Fellowship Program? Applications are welcomed, reviewed and awarded year-round. Check out the Fellowships section for more information and the application process.
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