Analytical Study on The Legality of Use of Sonic Boom as a “Psywar” Tool Under International and Humanitarian Law

Abstract

The topic of sonic warfare and its legality under international and humanitarian law is critically relevant in modern conflicts and their evolving nature. Sonic weapons comprise a growing type of non-lethal weaponry that overlays the limits of recognized legal norms and ethical considerations and employs sound waves to harm, disable, or impede individuals. This article aims to investigate the complex legal frameworks governing the use of force and observe how sonic warfare reconciles with these standards, questioning the legality of the use of sonic booms as a tool of terror in psywar. To the same end, this research will inspect international treaties, customary law, and general principles of international law to elucidate the legal holes and uncertainties surrounding this controversial subject, taking the case of Lebanon as an example. The literature on the topic demonstrates that while sonic booms have no direct physical effect, they produce deep psychological repercussions, creating fear and terror commemorating the pervasive menace of military aggression. This twofold perspective of airspace sovereignty and psychological warfare through sonic booms denotes a give-and-take, intricate connection of power, law, and humanitarian considerations, requiring a refined, discerning, and solid international inspection. This study is normative-empirical research based on legal principles and facts and employs a descriptive-analytical method.

The findings indicate that International Humanitarian Law (IHL) does not explicitly regulate the use of sonic boom as a tool of terror in international armed conflicts, thus contributing to the discourse on the humanitarian implications of sonic weapons, advocating for clear legal guidelines to prevent their misuse and ensure compliance with IHL principles.