المجلة الأكادمية للبحوث القانونية والسياسية
Volume 10, Numéro 2, Pages 63-79
2026-09-22

Digital Sovereignty And International Conflict: The Role Of Cyberspace In Contemporary Global Politics

Authors : Djebrane Sofiane .

Abstract

The absence of a binding international legal framework increases the risk that cyberspace will remain unregulated, dominated by the interests of major powers. Cyberspace has become a key domain in international relations, reflecting the rapid development of information technologies and global interconnectedness, while creating new opportunities for conflict and cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, government, financial, and electoral institutions. This study examines the application of international law principles in cyberspace, such as sovereignty, prohibition of the use of force, and non-interference, and evaluates the effectiveness of existing legal frameworks in holding states accountable. It also analyzes international instruments and notable incidents, including the attacks on Estonia, Operation Stuxnet, and the SolarWinds breach, to highlight legal and procedural challenges in regulating cyberspace.

Keywords

security, geopolitics, international law, state responsibility, cyberspace, sovereignty, human rights.