Geopolitics of Cyber Conflicts and Cyber Wars: International Legal Challenges

The article examines the phenomenon of geopolitics of cyber conflicts and cyber wars in contemporary international law. It analyzes the evolution of cyber threats as a tool of strategic influence in hybrid wars. It defines the legal nature of cyberattacks that are becoming akin to armed attacks. It assesses the possibility of applying the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law to actions in cyberspace. Particular attention is paid to the feasibility of implementing the ideas of criminal responsibility of the state in contemporary international law. Based on an analysis of the practices of the UN, the European Union, and the OSCE, trends toward the consolidation of approaches to the settlement of cyber conflicts through international law are identified. A proposal has been made to develop an international treaty that would regulate the application of the principles and norms of international humanitarian law in the use of cyber weapons.