Schmitt and Widmar explore the law of targeting within international humanitarian law (IHL) and its application to international and non-international armed conflict. The article examines the “five elements” of a target operation, including the target, the weapon used, the execution of the attack, possible collateral damage and incidental injury, and location of the strike. The… Continue reading “On Target”: Precision & Balance in the Contemporary Law of Targeting
Tag: International Humanitarian Law
Of Guns & Grotius
Kellman discusses the breakthroughs in the development of explosive weapons since the 13th century. He then analyzes the evolution of theories on the international law of war as expounded by Grotius, Gentili, and Vatel. He argues that these scholars should have instead developed an international law of peace; he hypothesizes what the foundation of law… Continue reading Of Guns & Grotius
Legitimacy Versus Legality Redux: Arming the Syrian Rebels
The provision of lethal aid to the Syrian rebels appears questionable from a purely legal perspective. It would arguably amount to a use of force. Neither of the traditional legal justifications for the use of force—self-defense and authorization by the Security Council—applies in this case. While humanitarian intervention arguably offers a (weak) basis for the… Continue reading Legitimacy Versus Legality Redux: Arming the Syrian Rebels