The Legitimacy of Cross-Border Self-Defense in Modern Economic, Cyber, and Soft Warfare: A Comparative Study of Imami Political Jurisprudence and Contemporary International Law

نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی

نویسنده

دکتری فقه و مبانی حقوق اسلامی دانشگاه تهران- وکیل پایه یک دادگستری

10.22091/rcjl.2026.17258.1463

چکیده

Fundamental changes in the structure of the international system and the emergence of modern warfare in the cyber, economic, and soft domains have transformed traditional concepts of borders and military aggression. Classical international law doctrine and Article 51 of the UN Charter condition the right to self-defense on the occurrence of a physical armed attack; a restrictive approach that has created a profound theoretical vacuum against modern threats, leaving victimized states defenseless. Conversely, the preemptive self-defense doctrine lacks objective criteria and universal acceptability. In contrast to this legal stagnation, the present study, adopting an analytical and comparative approach, demonstrates that Imami political jurisprudence possesses an unparalleled capacity to legitimize active cross-border defense. In Islamic thought, the criterion for establishing aggression is the realization of harm and disruption to the life of society, rather than merely the physical tool of attack. Relying on universal rules such as the negation of domination (Nafi al-Sabil), repelling probable harm (Daf' al-Darar al-Muhtamal), and the obligation to preserve the Islamic system, this article proposes a Multidimensional Active Self-Defense Model. Within this framework, the Islamic state is legally permitted and obligated to adopt a deterrent approach, transferring its defense deep into the adversary's cyber networks and economic arteries beyond geographical borders to safeguard its overarching existence and independence. This jurisprudential and strategic model can pave the way for a transition from traditional security to hybrid security in customary international law.

کلیدواژه‌ها

موضوعات


عنوان مقاله [English]

The Legitimacy of Cross-Border Self-Defense in Modern Economic, Cyber, and Soft Warfare: A Comparative Study of Imami Political Jurisprudence and Contemporary International Law

نویسنده [English]

  • zainab rahmani
.
چکیده [English]

Fundamental changes in the structure of the international system and the emergence of modern warfare in the cyber, economic, and soft domains have transformed traditional concepts of borders and military aggression. Classical international law doctrine and Article 51 of the UN Charter condition the right to self-defense on the occurrence of a physical armed attack; a restrictive approach that has created a profound theoretical vacuum against modern threats, leaving victimized states defenseless. Conversely, the preemptive self-defense doctrine lacks objective criteria and universal acceptability. In contrast to this legal stagnation, the present study, adopting an analytical and comparative approach, demonstrates that Imami political jurisprudence possesses an unparalleled capacity to legitimize active cross-border defense. In Islamic thought, the criterion for establishing aggression is the realization of harm and disruption to the life of society, rather than merely the physical tool of attack. Relying on universal rules such as the negation of domination (Nafi al-Sabil), repelling probable harm (Daf' al-Darar al-Muhtamal), and the obligation to preserve the Islamic system, this article proposes a Multidimensional Active Self-Defense Model. Within this framework, the Islamic state is legally permitted and obligated to adopt a deterrent approach, transferring its defense deep into the adversary's cyber networks and economic arteries beyond geographical borders to safeguard its overarching existence and independence. This jurisprudential and strategic model can pave the way for a transition from traditional security to hybrid security in customary international law.

کلیدواژه‌ها [English]

  • Cross-Border Legitimate Defense
  • Modern Warfare
  • Imami Political Jurisprudence
  • Contemporary International Law
  • Cyber Terrorism
  • The Rule of Negation of Domination
  • Preemptive Doctrine