Handbook

Today, malicious activity in cyber space shows growing potential to threaten international peace, security and stability. Along with land, sea, air and space-based missions, cyberspace is increasingly being seen as the ‘fifth domain’ of warfare, where military forces require practical operational guidance on the lawful conduct of cyber operations. While some have argued that the law falls silent in the face of the challenges of the digital age, the applicability of international law as the principal normative framework for regulating inter- and intra-State cyberoperations is no longer seriously contested.

This course will examine how international law applies to operations in the cyber domain. It will specifically focus on international law that governs the recourse to armed force and the conduct of hostilities. It will also cover related issues under the law of state responsibility and liability, international criminal law, as well as Australian domestic legal framework.