Cyber Warfare and the Jus Ad Bellum Challenges: Evaluation in Light of the Tallinn Manual on the International Law Applicable to Cyber Warfare

Abstract

This article aims to explore the applicability of the international law on the use of force (jus ad bellum) on cyber warfare, and the main issues and challenges that are raised from such application. Mainly, the issues reviewed by this paper are what cyber-attacks qualify as uses of force? Under what circumstances can self-defense measures take place in response to cyber-attacks? The paper analyzes the contribution of the Tallinn Manual on the International Law Applicable to Cyber Warfare to these challenges.

Keywords: cyber warfare, jus ad bellum, use of force, international law, tallinn manual, cyber attacks