The Security Dilemma and State Rationality: A Realistic Reassessment of Landmine Use in the 21st Century

Abstract

In international relations theory, structural realism postulates that states operate in an anarchic system where self-help and survival represent the supreme imperatives. This article reassesses the strategic utility of landmines on NATO’s Eastern Flank and in the high-intensity conflict in Ukraine (2024–2026). It challenges the liberal hypothesis regarding the universalization of disarmament norms established by the Ottawa Convention (1997). Utilizing a qualitative methodology based on discourse analysis and security reports, the paper argues that existential threats force frontline states  to prioritize territorial deterrence over international legal regimes. Concurrently, the study addresses the critical counterarguments raised by humanitarian organizations. It highlights the long-term civil risks, socio-economic costs of demining, and the systemic erosion of normative precedents. Finally, the emergence of smart landmines and “Man-in-the-Loop” systems is examined. This technological shift redefines the legal boundaries of Jus in Bello, showcasing a structural tension between state survival and humanitarian law.