© 2026 NASA, from April 7
Well, the world did not end last night.
But something has become clear. Targeting weapons at infrastructure such as bridges and power networks is a war crime.
From some of the most miserable moments of the last 130 years emerged the idea that some things are always wrong, whoever does them – even before there was anything like clear international law against them. This lead directly to the Geneva conventions and human rights courts.
Destroying critical infrastructure, starting with water and sewerage, roads and power, is an attack on non-combatants. It undermines civilisation, as in digging a big hole under society that may not be repairable.
As infrastructure asset management practitioners, we are involved in life-changing decisions whether we realise it or not.
If it is always wrong to target the infrastructure people depend on to live, it’s also vital to commit to maintaining what is needed. To ensuring we have the skills and tools and democratic processes for infrastructure.
Time for an Infrastructure Code of Ethics?
I beg to differ. Bridges and power grids that military forces can use are legitimate military targets. Yes, it certainly impacts the non-military population, but restricting an enemy force from free movement or powering operations are legitimate military objectives. War is hell, and not just on the combatants.
Clarification: targeting vital infrastructure is held to be a war crime if it is a deliberate attack on non-combatants. For example, to threaten a society into submission. It’s part of the post WW2 revulsion against deliberate military attacks on civilians.