Legal analysis of the use of force in response to cyber threats in the international arena

Subject Areas : Political and International Researches Quarterly

mohadeseh ghavamipoursereshkeh ¹ , amirreza mahmoudi ² , ali jamshidipour ³

1 - Department of law, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran
2 - Department of law, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran
3 - Department of law, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran

Received: 2024-05-25 Accepted : 2024-11-05 Published : 2024-10-30

Keywords: cyber war, cyber-attack, international law, use of force, legitimate defense, armed attack.,

Abstract :

In today's world, cyber war is a reality and cyber-attacks are increasing. The ability of cyber-attacks to shut down computer systems of nuclear facilities, power grids and air control systems has made these attacks a serious threat to national security. Some scientists believe that cyber-attacks can be a reason to start a war. However, looking at the traditional laws of war, only a small fraction of cyber-attacks can be considered armed attacks. While the international legal system must adapt to this new battlefield, there is currently no stable and effective international law to deter cyber-attacks. In this article, how to apply the existing rules of international law regarding the "use of force" in the framework of the right to use force, against cyber-attacks. The analyzes are carried out within the framework of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter prohibiting the use of force, the seventh chapter of ensuring peace and security and the right to legitimate defense contained in Article 51.

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