Jean Imbs

 

Abstract

We construct a comprehensive dataset of the global fiber-optic submarine cable network from the 1990s through 2025, including measures of cable capacity. Using network analysis, we examine the system’s symmetry, fragility, resilience, and vulnerability, with a particular focus on centrality. Our findings show a striking evolution in the geography of internet infrastructure: the main hubs have shifted from advanced economies such as the United States and Europe to emerging regions, most notably the Middle East and East Africa. We further document that inter-central landing points are increasingly located outside major economic powers, raising concerns about systemic vulnerability. Finally, we compute the share of each cable located in international waters, highlighting that these increasingly critical inter-central nodes are disproportionately exposed to risks of sabotage beyond national jurisdiction.

 

 

 

 

 

– Séminaire organisé par le programme 4 / BSE –

 

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