First in the world to combine politics, cyber and government.

Tel Aviv University launches a new program, first of its kind in the world, taught in English and targets Master’s students from Israel and overseas who wish to learn about the cyber-digital revolution and its impact on politics, society and the economy. 

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the program was launched this year as a small-scale pilot. It is expected to expand considerably next year, to include large numbers of international students. The Program is offered by the School of Political Science, Government and International Affairs at the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Exploring the Non-Technological Sides of Cyber and Digital

The Head of the Program is Prof. Eviatar Matania, who until recently headed the Israel National Cyber Directorate. According to Prof. Matania, “The new program provides the knowledge and skills required for leading operations, strategy and policy in the rapidly developing cyber world. It is open to people with or without technological background, because it aims to understand the non-technological sides of the cyber and digital worlds: modern economics, big data, artificial intelligence, cyber threats and cyber security, and the resulting changes in society, culture and politics.”

The new program was designed with three types of students in mind: those coming from the technological disciplines who wish to understand the broader aspects of the cyber-digital revolution; those from management and government, who need these tools to manage large systems in the new world; and finally, students from various interfacing disciplines who wish to broaden their education – and anchor their own research in the dramatic changes taking place in politics, society and the economy.

Cyber – More than Cyberattacks

Prof. Matania emphasizes “When people think of Cyber, they typically think of cyberattacks. We are trying to break out of this outdated perception. Cyber is so much more than attacks and security. It is the new economy, politics, culture and society. Anyone who wishes to take part in government and the management of large systems in the future must become acquainted with the connections between strategy, policy and technology.”

TAU’s VP International, Prof. Milette Shamir, adds: “The new Cyber Program is an important addition to the series of international programs offered by TAU. Our programs are built upon a solid foundation of local expertise and include studies in security and diplomacy, conflict resolution, emergency management, environment, immigration, archaeology, documentary films and more. Today, we create programs in which Israeli and foreign students from all over the world study together, generating a unique dialogue between the local and the global.”

Featured image: “Cyber Horse” on TAU Campus