International law is a system of rules that regulates international relations. Various issues are addressed by international law, such as the conduct of hostilities, treatment of prisoners, global environment, and commons. In addition, international law regulates world trade and communications. The United Nations Security Council, a special committee within the United Nations, acts as a judge in disputes between states.

International lawyers are trained to understand and apply legal norms. They speak of the subjects and sources of law and how to balance conflicting rights. However, international lawyers should remember that these processes are not value neutral; they involve politics and subjective choices. Only through specific decision-making processes and recognised modes of argumentation can an international lawyer achieve objectivity.

States began speaking out about cyberspace in 2012 and the Attorney General of the United Kingdom spoke about the issue in 2018. Other countries, such as Australia, Estonia, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States, have issued detailed perspectives on the subject. There are ongoing efforts to expand the list of states with a legal opinion on the international law of cyberspace.