Mechanisms from chemical weapons disarmament could inform future regulation of cyberspace. Despite growing cyber threats and the increasing military use of cyber operations, international regulation remains fragmented and largely nonbinding. Drawing on interdisciplinary expert interviews, this chapter identifies key challenges for cyberspace regulation, including dual-use technologies, verification difficulties, rapid technological change, and limited political will. The CWC—particularly its General-Purpose Criterion, attribution-related practices, independent expertise, and related informal practices—could provide valuable lessons and support a shift from technology-centered regulation toward behavior- and context-based governance in cyberspace.
Bibliographic record
Kirchbaum, A.-L., Pleil, H., & Reuter, C. (2026). What Cyberspace Regulation Can Learn from Traditional Arms Control. In: Göttsche, M., Jakob, U., & Schörnig, N. (Eds.). Verification in an Era of Rapid Technological Change. CNTR Monitor – Technology and Arms Control 2026. PRIF – Peace Research Institute Frankfurt.
Authors
Anja-Liisa Kirchbaum, Helene Pleil & Prof. Dr. Dr. Christian Reuter
