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Cyber Attacks, and International Law: Legal gaps in Article 2, paragraph 4, and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter

Articles in Press

Document Type : Article

Author

Ph.D. in International Relations & A Researcher in International Relations and International Law, Iran

Abstract

Today, Modern technologies have become integral to human existence. Cyberspace serves as a new domain where States, individuals and companies can reap significant benefits; however, it is also a realm where existing security threats migrate and new threats emerge. As essential governmental, economic, and public services, along with critical infrastructure, increasingly rely on digital systems, states find themselves vulnerable to the escalating threat of cyberattacks. The pressing question is whether international law, particularly Article 2(4) of the United Nations (UN) Charter regarding the non-use of force and Article 51 concerning self-defense, can be applied to cyberattacks. The unique characteristics of the cyber domain differentiate it from the physical realm, presenting legal challenges in the application of existing international law. This research aims to analyze the major legal obstacles that underscore the urgent need for a binding legal framework to govern state activities in cyberspace and establish mechanisms to counter these threats.To address these challenges, a comprehensive legal regime is necessary—one that is sufficiently broad to accommodate developments in cyber operations while being precise enough to effectively regulate them.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

  1. English

    1. A) Books
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    1. B) Articles
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    1. C) Documents, Reports, Essays
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    References In Persian:

    - Articles

    1. Ahmadi Fard. Morteza, Hatami. Mehdi, Azadbakht. Farid (2023). Doctrine of Accumulation of Incidents in the Appeal to International Self-Defense, Public Law Studies Quarterly, (70)40, 53-76. DOI: 10.22066/cilmage.2023.706167 (In Persian).
    2. Ghasemi, Ali, Chaharbakhsh, Victor Barian (2012). Cyber Attacks and International Law,(78)76, 115-145. The Judiciary Law Journal, (78)76, 115-145. DOI: http://doi.org/10.22106/j1j.2012.11057 (In Persian).
Public Law Studies Quarterly

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 January 2027
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History
  • Receive Date: 18 September 2024
  • Revise Date: 17 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 03 February 2025
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