Can the world rely on its undersea cable network?

世界能否依赖其海底电缆网络?

The Inquiry

新闻

2025-03-05

22 分钟
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单集简介 ...

Undersea cables form the backbone of global communication, with over 95% of global internet traffic relying on hundreds of fibre-optic cables criss-crossing the globe. But recent incidents such as disruption to cables in the Baltic Sea have highlighted concerns over their security and raised the possibility of ‘grey zone warfare’. The Inquiry examines who owns and runs this vast global network, what happens when things go wrong, and what the future holds for underseas cables. Are they powerful enough to sustain future communications, and what role could quantum technology play in their future? Presenter: Gary O'Donoghue Producer: Dan Hardoon and Vicky Carter Researcher: Katie Morgan Production Co-ordinator: Liam Morrey Technical producer: James Bradshaw Editor: Tara McDermott Contributors: Lane Burdette, Research Analyst, TeleGeography  Jovan Kurbali, Director of the Diplo Foundation and Head of Geneva Internet Platform Erin L Murphy,  Senior Fellow, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington D.C. Kristine Berzina, Managing Director at the German Marshall Fund, Washington D.C. Image credit: Boris Horvat via Getty Images
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  • Welcome to the Inquiry with me, Gary O'Donoghue.

  • One question, four expert witnesses, and an answer.

  • Beneath the oceans lies a vast network of undersea cables that keeps our entire world connected.

  • These fragile strands of fire fiber optic technology carry over 95% of global Internet traffic,

  • linking economies, governments and billions of people.

  • Despite their critical importance,

  • these cables remain largely unprotected, vulnerable to accidental damage,

  • geopolitical tensions and, as recent events suggest, deliberate sabotage.

  • NATO boosts its military presence in the Baltic Sea

  • as Russia is suspected of sabotaging an underwater cable.