Legal resilience in an era of gray zone conflicts and hybrid threats‌

Abstract

The international system has entered a period of increased competition, accompanied by a steady retreat from multilateralism and international institutions. The purpose of this article is to place these developments within the context of three concepts that have risen to prominence in recent years: lawfare, hybrid warfare and gray zone conflicts. In doing so, the article makes three arguments. The instrumental use of international law for strategic purposes forms an integral feature of the international system. Although the notions of lawfare, hybrid warfare and gray zone conflict all contribute towards a better understanding of the instrumentalization of international law, neither offers a complete framework for analysis and policy action. The challenges posed by the use of international law for strategic ends are therefore best countered by adopting a legal resilience perspective and fostering an operational mindset.