Non-Zero-Sum Game Analysis the Controversy of Cyber Attacks Constitutes the Use of Force
Keywords:
cybersecurity, international law, Cyber Sovereignty, Internet Freedom, zero-sum gameAbstract
This paper examines the evolving challenges of cyberattacks within the framework of international law, highlighting the inadequacy of traditional legal doctrines in addressing the complex dynamics of cyberspace governance. It analyzes the divergence between dominant international camps advocating either "Internet Freedom" or "Cyber Sovereignty", and the resulting zero-sum competition that hinders cooperative security efforts. Through case studies such as the NotPetya and Stuxnet attacks, the study underscores the limitations of existing legal instruments like the Tallinn Manual and explores the necessity of refining legal standards and attribution mechanisms. The paper further advocates for a shift from a zero-sum logic to a non-zero-sum model emphasizing institutional innovation, mutual trust-building, and integrated defense strategies. Practical recommendations include enhancing critical infrastructure defenses and establishing international confidence-building measures to foster sustainable cooperation in cyberspace governance.
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