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Digital Technologies and Armed Conflict
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:28:53
Abstract
Digital technologies are increasingly present in the context of armed conflicts, and they are primarily provided by private technology companies. This course presents current trends, analysing the risks involved in the digitisation of conflicts, both for civilians (as means and victims) and for private technology companies as the main actors of this transformation.
Objective
Students will learn how digital technologies are impacting modern conflicts and what are the actual and future trends in this domain. Students will focus on the implications for tech companies, understanding the new challenges from a technological, policy and legal perspective.
Content
1. Introduction: International Humanitarian Law IHL 101; International Committee of the Red Cross ICRC’s perspective; Terminology. 2. Digital Capabilities in Armed Conflict: Overview; Established cyber capabilities; The cyber weapons dilemma; Attribution and self-attribution; Other digital means during armed conflicts. 3. Connectivity in Crisis: No connectivity: the connectivity gap; Loss or limitation of connectivity; Stable connectivity: connected in crisis. 4. Hybrid and Unconventional Warfare: Kinetic and cyber offensive operation coordination; Disruption of digital services; The dual-use dilemma; The public-private partnership dilemma; Civilianization of digital warfare, Total offense and whole-of-societies: a digital perspective of society’s active participation; The cognitive warfare: a digital perspective of modern low-intensity constant warfare. 5. The Potential Human Cost of Cyber Operations. 6. Legal Challenges and Potential Future Scenarios. 7. Case Studies (based on scenarios).
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Digital Technologies and Armed Conflict |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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