LEGAL ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF CYBERSPACE FOR MILITARY PURPOSES

Abstract

Abstract. The article deals with international initiatives within the framework of the United
Nations on the issue of resolving the problem concerning the use of cyberspace for military purposes
by states as well as the regional approach provided by the Member States of the Shanghai
Cooperation Organization. In addition, the article analyzes the conceptual and
terminological differences in theoretical approaches of scientists from different countries on the
definition of «information war», «cyberwar» and «operations in cyberspace», their characteristics
and differences in meaningful approach of understanding these concepts. The article also
provides a short review of international initiatives on definition the terminology in the sphere of
international information security. The main part of the article is devoted to analysis of the application
of international law to the conduct of states hostilities in cyberspace, including the
classification of operations in cyberspace in terms of jus ad bellum, as well as the possibility of
using the Charter of the United Nations to resolve the conduct of states in cyberspace.
Key words: information war, cyberwar, operations in cyberspace, information and communication
technologies, international law.