Cyber Disinformation Operations (CDOs) and a New Paradigm of Non-Intervention

Wenqing Zhao
Vol. 27
June 2021
Page 35

In recent years, cyber-meddling has risen as a threat to international order, as cyber activities become increasingly weaponized by states for purposes of interfering with domestic policies of foreign states. Historically, such interference could only be obtained through expensive military measures, which could be deterred by the proscription of established international norms. Cyber-meddling presents a unique challenge, as it falls through the cracks of international laws. This paper seeks an international legal solution for one particular form of cyber-meddling that has become a substantial threat to inter-state peace and security: cyber disinformation operations (“CDOs”). In order to tackle CDOs, this paper argues that a new paradigm of non-intervention needs to be formulated, shifting its focus away from the conventional standard of coercion to a new standard of manipulation.

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