Title: Information and communication technology and cyber conflict: rethinking the role of the United Nations in world peace

Authors: Segun Joshua; Faith Osasumwen Olanrewaju; Lady Adaina Ajayi; Sunday Idowu

Addresses: Department of Political Science and International Relations, Covenant University, PMB 1023, Idiroko Road Ota, Nigeria ' Department of Political Science and International Relations, Covenant University, PMB 1023, Idiroko Road Ota, Nigeria ' Department of Political Science and International Relations, Covenant University, PMB 1023, Idiroko Road Ota, Nigeria ' Department of Political Science and International Relations, Covenant University, PMB 1023, Idiroko Road Ota, Nigeria

Abstract: The revolution in information and communication technology (ICT) has changed virtually all spheres of life, including the means and methods of warfare. Most aspects of life are now tied to technology, from health to governance. The military has not been left out. Some countries' military organisations now have cyber warfare units. The United Nations (UN), established to promote global peace, now finds it difficult to cope with this new emerging dimension of warfare. It is in this context that the study examines ICT and cyber conflict with a focus on rethinking the role of the United Nations in world peace. The study finds that even though the UN has been applying the laws of armed conflict and some suggested norms to address the possible danger of cyber conflict, they seem not to be sufficient which can hamper state relations and threaten the fragile stability of the international system.

Keywords: Budapest convention; conflict; cyber-conflict; cyber war; UN; United Nations; ICT; information and communication technology; world peace.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2020.109834

International Journal of Electronic Governance, 2020 Vol.12 No.3, pp.290 - 306

Accepted: 22 Nov 2019
Published online: 25 Sep 2020 *

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