The New Geopolitics of Subsea Cables

Subsea cables carry 95% of the world’s data—but remain largely invisible in global policy debates. In this episode, Isaac Kardon is joined by Carnegie experts Jane Munga and Sophia Besch to unpack the geopolitics, economics, and security risks surrounding undersea data infrastructure. From Africa’s digital development to Europe’s hybrid warfare concerns, they explore who owns these cables, why they matter, and how governments can respond to emerging infrastructure threats.

Notes:

1. Sophia Besch and Erik Brown, "Securing Europe's Subsea Data Cables," Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, December 16, 2024.
2. Jane Munga, "Beneath the Waves: Addressing Vulnerabilities in Africa’s Undersea Digital Infrastructure," Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, April 3, 2025.