Upwards of 100 States, either directly or through regional organizations, have now weighed in on the important questions of whether and how international law applies to cyber operations. While some concordance of views is evident, significant areas of discordance have emerged as well. The relatively unprecedented and growing use of national statements?in the form of official speeches, papers, or contributions to United Nations processes?to express States? views has also raised questions about their normative function and whether the views offered are creating, intentionally or not, a form of lex specialis of international law tailored to the cyber and information context. And if not, what normative implications do these emerging positions have for the interpretation and application of international law rules outside of the cyber context? What are the implications of states remaining silent on certain issues, or not issuing positions at all? At the same time, cyber and information conflict has not abated, and the pace, sophistication, and impact of these threats will only increase with the introduction of artificial intelligence and other technological advances. How international law responds to these developments, especially at a time of heightened instability, should remain at the top of States? agendas.
The Tech, Law, & Security Program (TLS) is excited to once again host our annual symposium at the American University Washington College of Law on September 15-16, 2025. A closed-door workshop will follow on September 17, 2025, by invitation only.