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The Minerva Center for the Rule of Law under Extreme Conditions
is happy to invite you to a lecture by

 

Deborah Housen-Couriel

The Rule of Law in an Extreme Environment:

The Growing Challenges to the Rule of Law

in Outer Space

For more info about Deb - see here

Lecture will be in English 


Wednesday, 14.06.2017 between 14:15-15:45


At the Minerva Center for the Rule of Law under Extreme Conditions
Room 1013, Terrace building, University of Haifa**

Participation is free

 

Space Security and Cybersecurity Intersecting Challenges

 Abstract: 

Recent military and civilian developments are deeply affecting our understanding of the scope, depth, and criticality of new strategic threats to countries, both in outer space and in cyber space. These “fourth and fifth domains” have until now largely been treated as separate realms by states and by intergovernmental organizations working to promote governance, policy and legal issues in each context. Yet outer space and cyberspace are better characterized as interdependent elements of a complex and continually-evolving nexus of activity for State and non-state actors.

This paper analyses the progress in the development of norms of conduct – whether binding or non-binding – for space security and cybersecurity, and argues for a dovetailing of efforts regarding certain of these initiatives. The basis for such an approach lies in the fact that satellite communications are overwhelmingly carried out through cyberspace, and as such are subject to the vulnerabilities and strategic threats prevalent in both realms. Efforts such as those under the aegis of the United Nations (UN) Office for Outer Space Affairs, its Office for Disarmament Affairs and its First and Fourth Committees; the European Union, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, NATO and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization have addressed a number of issues with ramifications in both the outer space context and the cybersecurity context.

Of particular concern are issues around the use of force by States and their right to self-defence under the UN collective security regime; and State responsibility and liability for activities causing harm in both realms. Moreover, just as States find themselves in a new threat environment in thespace and cyber contexts, commercial entities operating satellites that support critical infrastructure such as air traffic control systems, GPS, and telecommunication networks are increasingly vulnerable to strategic risks caused by hostile and malicious actors.

This article proposes that ongoing efforts at the international level to elucidate and develop normative guidance regarding both outer space and cyberspace can benefit from overlapping state interests and insights. Above all, the approach of states and intergovernmental organizations should reflect the interwoven and interdependent realities of the present militarization and commercialization of both outer space and cyberspace.

 

* Center is located at ground level of the Terrace building (Hamadrega). See map 
For more details, contact Michal at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

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