Cyber Sanctions as a Tool of Competition in Global Cyberspace

Abstract

This paper delves into the issue of cyber sanctions as a novel tool in the context of the transforming global order and the fierce competition amongst great powers, which is gradually extending into cyberspace due to the growing role of information and communication technologies. The contours of geopolitical rivalry are refl ected in cyberspace, creating the potential for a quick transition from cyberspace to reality. The article investigates the risks posed by cyber-attacks, studies the nature of the contradictions between the norms of international law and cyber sanctions, carries out an analysis of the legal frameworks of the main initiating countries, and reviews the practice of imposing cyber sanctions. Following these eff orts, the conclusion was reached that cyber sanctions are traditional measures used to deter, limit, and punish malicious actions in cyberspace. An analysis of the legal bases of the main initiating countries revealed that the United States pursues its national interests, while the EU rather uses the tool to project its normative power. The cybersphere, amid this process of transforming the world order, creates opportunities for asymmetric wars and is used by states to compensate for geopolitical inequalities in the absence of rules governing behavior. The damage from a cyber-attack can be signifi cant both politically and economically. However, the consensus of the great powers on the development of common norms governing behavior in cyberspace is not possible in the short and medium term. This is due to the fact that the key initiating countries (the U.S. and the EU) are increasingly resorting to unilateral measures, while the main target states (Russia and China) appeal to the norms of international law. As the foundations of the neoliberal world order are being eroded, the antagonism of states will increase. Cyber sanctions do not oblige the initiator to provide evidence, give an accurate assessment of the damage, and do not entail the opposite eff ect per se, increasing only the image costs for opponents. Therefore, cyber sanctions are expected to become more widespread in the future.