Mark Dmytryszyn

What Is Required for an Offensive Cyberspace Operation to Be Considered Just Per Traditional Just War Theory a Persuasive Thesis on Just War Analysis Mark Dmytryszyn

Just War theory is not a settled doctrine - it is a field of critical ethical reflection. Even though Just War theory applies to objects and not ethereal networks, the current regime of international laws, norms, and definitions designed a half century before the advent of cyber capabilities are applicable to cyberspace. Existing international law has limited development in a common understanding of cyber aggression; and although classic Just War theory is outdated and was designed for application to physical combat, offensive cyberspace operations are justifiable under the principles embodied in treaties, including Hague Regulations and Geneva Conventions, plus what is called 'customary international law.' Given its potential to cause grave damage to national security, cyber attack must be treated as an act of war, or in terms of international law, as a 'use of force' and an armed attack and therefore must be evaluated to meet the criteria of philosophical, religious or political justice.