I. Introduction: Network security and protection "Internet public core"

Discussed the importance of cybersecurity for global peace and development, and pointed out the challenges faced in protecting critical information infrastructure. The article emphasizes the concept of protecting the "Internet public core" proposed by the Netherlands, which is supported by western countries, but conflicts with China's cyberspace governance goals. The Netherlands' initiative is seen as a variable in the development of network rules, which helps to understand the positions and strategies of countries in Internet management and protection. The article also explores the initiative of "small countries" in international security issues, particularly the influence of the Netherlands in the field of cybersecurity. In addition, the article analyzes normative advocacy as a strategy and how the Netherlands connects new norms with existing value systems. Finally, the article emphasizes the importance of studying Dutch political behavior, especially in the context of competition between China and the United States, and the role of the Netherlands in key areas such as semiconductor export restrictions to China.

Two analytical frameworks: the normative advocacy approach for "small countries"

Explored the formation process of international norms and their dissemination mechanisms in the international system, with a particular focus on how "small countries" can become advocates of international norms through specific strategies. The chapter points out that although "small countries" face population and geographical limitations in the international system, they are able to participate in global public affairs through flexibility and adaptability. The formation of norms goes through four key stages: problem adoption, public agenda, institutional review, and multilateral negotiations. Standardizing the behavior patterns of entrepreneurs includes catalysts, facilitators, and managers, and "small countries" can adopt these strategies to overcome scale limitations. Small countries usually focus on technical expertise in specific fields and rely on external authorities to enhance persuasiveness. The new regulations should be adapted to existing regulations to enhance their persuasiveness. Small countries rely on influence and persuasiveness to achieve strategic goals, and advocating for standardization requires resource support and alliance building. Standardization advocates for negotiations through concentric circles, expanding from like-minded individuals to opponents. Small countries promote norms through the establishment of networks and alliances, and agenda setting is particularly crucial in advocating for norms. Finally, the chapter summarizes three ways in which the "small country" norm advocates: aligning with existing norms, shaping agendas across multiple platforms, and building normative alliances.

III. The Netherlands' strategy of shaping and protecting the "public core of the Internet"

The Netherlands Government Policy Science Committee (WRR) submitted a report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2015, recommending that the Netherlands government maintain network security through diplomatic means, establish international norms, and regard Internet core agreements as neutral zones. In 2016, the Dutch Foreign Ministry held a seminar with members of technology and non-profit organizations, which defined protecting the public core as protecting the universal availability of forwarding and naming functions of the global Internet core. The Dutch government has begun to promote the protection of the "Internet Public Core", emphasizing its role as the cornerstone of normal life in the digital age and linking it to issues of common concern to the public, which has attracted widespread attention. The WRR report points out that the public core of the Internet consists of the main protocols and infrastructure of the global Internet. If the key protocols fail to work properly, the operation of the Internet will face pressure. The Netherlands has linked the "public core of the Internet" with the basic living conditions of netizens, built a persuasive framework, and emphasized that the Internet core is based on shared values and interests.

Conclusion 4: Success at the regional level and setbacks at the global level

The Netherlands has made remarkable achievements in protecting the "Internet Public Core". This concept has been incorporated into EU regulations and United Nations documents, which shows the success of the Netherlands' normative advocacy in the security field. However, due to the lack of clarity, the "Internet Public Core" was not adopted at the United Nations level, and the Netherlands suffered setbacks at the global level. The Netherlands has expanded its influence through multilateral organizations and the establishment of normative alliances. Its normative initiatives have been successful at the regional level, but have suffered setbacks at the global level. The United States, Russia and other countries have different views on the "Internet public core", and the support of major countries is crucial to the establishment of norms. The global journey of the Netherlands to promote the protection of the "public core of the Internet" has regained hope because of the softening attitude of the United States.