Threshold - definitions, and interests --- A first step may be increasing predictability: making sure that we all know what each country considers a threshold. This is why the UN GGE, and the related resolutions of the GA, invited states to submit their own views how international law applies, including understanding the armed attack. Thus far, only handful of countries have done that - we list some in this reading. Yet, it is important to understand that this process takes time even within each country - it requires thorough internal discussions, likely in a multistakeholder venue, to understand all aspects and agree on national understanding.

Next step could possibly be negotiating a common ground - once majority of (especially key) players has come forward with their positions.

One open question, however, is if states (again, especially big ones) have enough incentives already to make this area more defined - or they still benefit from lack of common understanding, and thus a greater space for maneuver?

Source author: Vladimir Radunovic vladar@diplomacy.edu