The Peaceful Settlement of Inter-State Cyber Disputes

With cyberspace becoming a domain of inter-state conflict and confrontation, this book is one of the first studies of the ways in which international law can facilitate the peaceful settlement of inter-state cyber disputes.

By employing theoretical and practical inquiries and analysis, the book examines the legal parameters of cyber dispute settlement; explores critical questions about the role of dispute settlement institutions and methods; and identifies and addresses related challenges.

The book begins by considering the legal definition of a cyber dispute and the scope of the good faith obligation of states in settling their cyber disputes peacefully. It then examines the role of certain dispute settlement institutions (International Court of Justice, national courts, the EU, the Security Council) and dispute settlement methods (judicial, diplomatic, countermeasures, arbitration, conciliation, fact-finding). It also discusses how data disputes can be settled but also whether new and specialised mechanisms are needed.

The book provides scholars, practitioners, and law students with immediate knowledge and understanding of the role of international law in the peaceful settlement of cyber disputes, as well as how international dispute settlement as a discipline and practice can apply to this new field.

Nicholas Tsagourias is Professor of International Law at the University of Sheffield, UK.
Russell Buchan is Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Sheffield, UK.
Daniel Franchini is Lecturer in Law at the University of Sheffield, UK.