Sovereignty and Jurisdiction Conflicts from High-altitude Balloons under International Law

This scholarly investigation delves into the legal complexities arising from the People’s Republic of China’s high-altitude balloons entering US airspace. By analyzing landmark cases, such as the Lockerbie incident, this study emphasizes the urgent need for clear liability norms in international airspace. The 2023 Montana Incursion served to clarify the self-defense and proportionality principles under international law. This study examines the nature of these balloons to determine whether they fall under international accords such as the Chicago Convention. It also explores military classifications and legal ambiguities surrounding non-combatant operators in armed conflicts. This paper identifies gaps in the principles of privacy and ethics concerning intelligence gathering within sovereign boundaries. It advocates for new multilateral treaties with geofencing standards to regulate high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles. This author aims to fortify legal frameworks based on technological advances.