A Treaty for Cyberspace

In 2007, Estonia suffered a crippling cyber attack on its internet infrastructure. In response, several world powers announced their intentions to deploy offensive capabilities in their cyberspace infrastructures. "As cyberspace evolves from a technology enthusiast's domain into a global economic and military 'battlespace', the likelihood of a major interstate cyber conflict increases significantly. The article discusses why now may be the time for international society to begin working towards ratification of a global cyber treaty." Given proper political support, a multilateral cyber treaty might prove to be an effective instrument in preventing cyberspace from becoming the main platform on which states settle international conflicts outside the reach of customary international law and diplomacy.