International Law and the Use of Force

2 Credits.

The course will review the legal framework, jurisprudence and state practice concerning the international law of the use of force in contemporary international relations. Students will also delve into key conceptual debates relevant to emerging issues in this field. These include discussions on jus ad bellum in novel situations resulting from evolving State practice, challenges posed by the uses of emerging technologies and AI, autonomous weapons systems, the protection of civilians, as well as the discussion of the international law of nuclear weapons ad bellum. Participants will also have the opportunity to analyze cases of the UN Security Council’s practice, landmark case-law by the International Court of Justice and recent debates stemming from events such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the threat of nuclear weapons use, in light of the legal framework of the international system.