The Prosecuting War Crimes in Cyberspace; A Comparative Study between International Humanitarian Law and the Cyber Laws of the United States and Russia

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD in International Relations, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz branch, Ahvaz, Iran.

2 International Law and Global study Ph.D . Shanghai University-International School

3 Ph.D. in International Law and Global study, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.

4 PhD in Political Science, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22080/jpir.2025.30542.1496

Abstract

The expansion of modern technologies and governments’ growing dependence on cyberspace have made the use of cyber tools in armed conflicts a fundamental issue in international law. Although cyber operations may produce destructive effects comparable to conventional attacks, their legal status under international humanitarian law remains ambiguous. This study examines the applicability of international humanitarian law to cyber operations and compares the legal positions of the United States and Russia. It addresses whether international humanitarian law possesses sufficient capacity to identify and prosecute war crimes committed in cyberspace. Using a descriptive-analytical method, a comparative approach, and the theory of Neo-Realism, the study argues that great-power rivalry in cyberspace obstructs the institutionalization of binding international norms. The findings indicate that existing humanitarian law can potentially encompass cyber operations; however, the absence of consensus on the definition of a cyber armed attack, inadequate attribution mechanisms, and conflicting interests among major powers hinder the establishment of international criminal responsibility. While the United States generally supports an expansive interpretation, Russia adopts a more restrictive, sovereignty-based position. Consequently, dedicated international mechanisms and stronger interstate cooperation are essential for clarifying cyber warfare norms and ensuring effective legal criminal accountability.

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