Convergence or adaptation of cybersecurity policies: insights from Chile and Estonia

Abstract

The topic of this thesis is cybersecurity policies, particularly whether, how and why there may be differences and similarities between Estonia and Chile in the parliamentary debate. This study concludes that there are similarities, like the use of the EU directive policy or other cases, and differences, such as how the institutional system worked in each case. An explanation for this is that both respect international organisations and the policy they produce and that similar cases may produce emulation. However, internal elements may still have a significant role to play. This conclusion was formulated using policy convergence theory (PCT) and punctuated equilibrium theory (PET) as a theoretical foundation in a small-n, qualitative country comparison using parliamentary debates, policy documents and additional interview transcripts as data sources. This thesis ends with an overall reflection, lessons learned and recommendations for future research in this area. like the weight of PET in the elements discussed in the parliament, other factors that can contribute to the policy change in the domain of cybersecurity and further questions.