Policy Brief 29/05/2025
Cyber warfare has emerged as a prominent method for states to pursue strategic objectives by targeting digital infrastructure, disrupting essential services, and spreading disinformation, all without engaging in traditional military action. These operations often evade attribution and accountability, complicating legal responses and blurring the boundaries of what constitutes as the use of force under international law. Despite the growing frequency and impact of such incidents, international legal frameworks like the UN Charter and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) offer limited guidance on how to classify or respond to cyberattacks. Additionally, the lack of a shared definition and legal clarity leaves room for interpretation and exploitation. To address this, the international community must prioritize the development of common norms, improve legal mechanisms for accountability, and ensure that protections for civilians and critical systems are upheld in the digital realm.
