The Principle of State Continuity Under Cyber Governments and Digital Exile: An Analytical Study in Light of Public International Law
Keywords:
State continuity, cyber government, digital exile, sovereignty, international legal personality, public international law.Abstract
This study explores the principle of State continuity within the framework of public international law, focusing on its applicability in light of recent transformations in the structure of governments—particularly the emergence of cyber governments and digital governments-in-exile. The research analyzes the legitimacy of maintaining international legal personality in the absence of effective territorial control, drawing upon international jurisprudence, doctrinal writings, and contemporary practices. The study concludes that the principle of State continuity—although unwritten—is a well-established norm that provides legal flexibility, enabling States to maintain their international status under exceptional circumstances. This is contingent on factors such as the existence of a legitimate government, the preservation of international obligations, and continued external representation. The paper recommends the development of a specialized legal framework to govern digital or exiled governments in the cyber age, thereby reinforcing their legitimacy and securing international protection.
References
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