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Lying in the Grey Zone

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Published
Publication date30/04/2024
Host publicationHybrid Threats and Grey Zone Conflict : The Challenge to Liberal Democracies
EditorsMitt Regan, Aurel Sari
Place of PublicationOxford
PublisherOxford University Press
Pages373-392
Number of pages20
ISBN (electronic)9780197744802
ISBN (print)9780197744772
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Publication series

NameEthics, National Security, and the Rule of Law
PublisherOxford University Press

Abstract

This chapter examines the role and legal status of State lying in grey zone conflicts, focusing on States lying to other States in their inter-State communications. The chapter begins by examining the utility of State lying in grey zone conflicts, looking at the example of Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. While there is presently no international law prohibition on State lying, the chapter argues that we should extend the existing laws on insincere State utterances to include lying by States. Because the existing laws are explained by the principle of good faith, the proposed prohibition on State lying would only apply when States are coordinating plans of action, creating problems for its application in grey zone conflicts. The chapter looks to resolve some of these difficulties, before concluding with a summary of the argument.