Legal Definitions - indirect aggression

Indirect aggression refers to actions taken by one state or entity against another that cause harm, destabilization, or disadvantage, but do not involve direct military force or armed conflict. These actions are designed to weaken an adversary or achieve strategic objectives through non-military means, often with the potential to escalate tensions or provoke a response.

Here are some examples illustrating indirect aggression:

• Example 1: Economic Sanctions

  Country A imposes severe economic sanctions on Country B, targeting its vital industries and financial institutions. These sanctions lead to a collapse in Country B's currency, widespread unemployment, and a shortage of essential goods, causing significant hardship for its population and destabilizing its government.

  This illustrates indirect aggression because Country A is causing severe harm and destabilization to Country B without deploying any military forces or engaging in direct combat. The harm is economic, but its impact is profound and strategic, aiming to pressure or weaken Country B.

• Example 2: Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure

  An unknown state-sponsored group launches sophisticated cyberattacks against Country C's national power grid and water treatment facilities, causing widespread blackouts and disrupting essential services for millions of citizens. While no physical damage occurs, the attacks create chaos, fear, and significant economic losses.

  This constitutes indirect aggression because the attacks inflict substantial harm and disruption on Country C's critical infrastructure and population without any direct military invasion or physical destruction of property by armed forces. The aggression is carried out through digital means to achieve strategic disruption.

• Example 3: Support for Insurgent Groups

  Country D secretly provides extensive financial aid, weapons, and training to a rebel group operating within Country E, aiming to destabilize Country E's government and weaken its influence in the region. This support fuels a prolonged civil conflict, leading to widespread displacement and loss of life within Country E.

  This is an act of indirect aggression because Country D is actively contributing to conflict and harm within Country E without directly engaging its own military forces in combat. The aggression is channeled through a proxy, causing significant internal strife and weakening Country E's sovereignty and stability.