Neuroweapon Proliferation, Sixth Domain of Warfare, and IHL

Abstract

The battle for power originates and concludes in our minds, where actuality is perceived and preserved. The constant pursuit of power and influence has led us towards a scientific race to decipher human brain. The evolving arena of neuroweapons has already stared to defy the traditional perceptions as to war. This paper debates on the emergence of sixth domain of warfare – the mind, and how is it likely to alter the military operations and fundamentally change the conflict and warfare. The development and deployment of neuroweapons is expected not only to create unprecedented dangers arising from their misuse but also to disrupt the foundational principles of armed conflict under International Humanitarian Law (IHL). On the basis of the available literature, this paper attempts to access the legality of the future uses of neuroweapons under contemporary framework of IHL.