Study

This fall-only seminar is designed to introduce students with limited (or no) familiarity with international law to principles involved in using force during periods of putative peace.  As a jus ad bellum seminar it will explore, for example, what circumstances constitute an “act of war” in various situations, including cyberspace. It will address some jus in bello issues but will not overlap significantly with the LAW 546 International Law of Armed Conflict which is expected to be offered in the Spring of 2025.

The structure of classes may vary, and students may be divided into sections, discussion groups, and panels. The course may include guest speakers (in-person or via Zoom).

This course is a deep dive into the use of force in international law. It will analyze the circumstances under which force can be used in self-defense and survey topics such as humanitarian intervention, hostage rescue, targeted killings, selected maritime law issues, selected neutrality law issues, potential flashpoints associated with air defense identification zones, and freedom of navigation operations.

We will also explore the legal aspects of international counterpiracy and counterterrorism operations. The course will also delve into efforts to limit the use of force in outer space, the implications of nuclear weapons, and the emergence of autonomous weaponry.

Each class will begin with a brief “in the news” section examining selected seminar-related issues of current interest that appear in the media.

There will be no class on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024. Instead, on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, the class will meet from 3:30 to 6:00 pm at the Law School to view and discuss the film Eye in the Sky, a dramatic representation of a drone strike. Refreshments and snacks will be served.

The course requires a 20-page paper on a topic approved by the instructor.  It will comprise 60% of the grade; the other 40% will be based on class participation (which may also include some written products, e.g., reaction papers).

This seminar is designed to help students gain a comprehensive understanding of the practical aspects associated with the use of force. This includes an overview of weaponry, planning, and military techniques. By the end of the course, students should be equipped with practical knowledge that can be applied in real-world scenarios.

Students do not need to buy any books for this seminar, as all the texts are available online from the law library. The instructor may also provide other readings electronically.

This course obviously addresses the use of force in international law. Accordingly, class instruction will inevitably include written, oral, and visual depictions of physical force and violence—and occasionally extreme representations.

This fall-only seminar is designed to introduce students who have limited familiarity with international law to principles involved in the use of force during periods of putative peace.  It will explore, for example, what circumstances constitute an “act of war” in a variety of situations, to include cyberspace.  The structure of classes may vary, and students may be divided into sections, discussion groups, and panels. The course may include guest speakers (in-person or via Zoom).

The course will analyze when and how force may be used in self-defense and will survey topics such as humanitarian intervention, hostage rescue, air defense identification zones, freedom of navigation operations, use of force in the cyber domain, and the legal aspects of international counter-piracy and counterterrorism operations (including drone strikes).  Efforts to limit the use of force in outer space as well as the implications of nuclear weapons and the emergence of autonomous (to include generative AI) weaponry will be explored.

Case studies and current news events will be examined in conjunction with the covered issues.  For example, an article that examines, “through the lens of the Russia-Ukraine conflict…whether and, if so, when a State's military aid or assistance that contributes to another State's use of force constitutes a separate and distinct use of force under international law” will be discussed.

In addition, students will get an overview of the practical issues associated with the use of force, to include the weaponry, planning, and military techniques involved.

There will be no class on Tuesday, September 26.  However, there will be a class on Sunday, November 5th from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. during which we will watch the movie, Eye-in-the-Sky about a drone strike, and have a discussion about it.

This course obviously addresses the use of force in international law.  Accordingly, class instruction will inevitably include written, oral, and visual depictions of physical force and violence—and occasionally extreme representations of the same.

Syllabus: 227-01-Fall2023-syllabus.pdf214.95 KB

This fall-only seminar is designed to introduce students with limited or no familiarity with international law to principles involved in jus ad bellum, that is, when states can resort to the use of force during periods of putative peace. It will explore, for example, what circumstances constitute an “act of war” in variety of situations.

The course will analyze when and how force may be used in self-defense and will survey topics such as humanitarian intervention, hostage rescue, air defense identification zones, freedom of navigation operations, use of force in the cyber domain, and the legal aspects of international counter-piracy and counterterrorism operations (including drone strikes). Efforts to limit the use of force in outer space as well as the implications of nuclear weapons and the emergence of autonomous weaponry will be explored.

Case studies and current news events, including some related to the conflict in Ukraine, will be examined in conjunction with the covered issues. In addition, students will get an overview of the practical issues associated with the use of force, to include the weaponry, planning, and military techniques involved.

This course obviously addresses the use of force in international law. Accordingly, class instruction will inevitably include written, oral, and visual depictions of physical force and violence—and occasionally extreme representations of the same.

You are not require to purchase any books for this course, because they are available for free online from the Duke Law Library. A key book for this course is entitled The Use of Force in International Law: A Case-Based Approach (2018). You will not be required to read this entire book (it’s 960 pages!). Additionally, we will use parts of Regulating the Use of Force in International Law (2021; Necessity and Proportionality and the Right of Self-Defence in International Law (2021) and The Future Law of Armed Conflict (2022) (available online July 2022).

There is no examination, but a 20-page paper (constituting 60% of the grade) is required on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the instructor. With instructor approval, the course paper may fulfill the Substantial Research and Writing Project (SRWP) or other writing requirements provided it is at least 30 pages in length and otherwise complies with SRWP requirements. The remainder of the grade (40%) is based on the quality and frequency of class participation, and may require the preparation of short presentations, and response papers.

This fall-only seminar is designed to introduce students with limited familiarity with international law to principles involved in the use of force during periods of putative peace. It will explore, for example, what circumstances constitute an “act of war” in variety of situations.

The course will analyze when and how force may be used in self-defense and will survey topics such as humanitarian intervention, hostage rescue, air defense identification zones, freedom of navigation operations, use of force in the cyber domain, and the legal aspects of international counter-piracy and counterterrorism operations (including drone strikes). Efforts to limit the use of force in outer space as well as the implications of nuclear weapons and the emergence of autonomous weaponry will be explored.

Case studies and current news events will be examined in conjunction with the covered issues. In addition, students will get an overview of the practical issues associated with the use of force, to include the weaponry, planning, and military techniques involved.

This course obviously addresses the use of force in international law. Accordingly, class instruction will inevitably include written, oral, and visual depictions of physical force and violence—and occasionally extreme representations of the same.

There is no textbook for this course, but there will be a course pack along with materials (students may be required to purchase the course pack, but the cost will not exceed $25).

There is no examination, but a 20-page paper (constituting 60% of the grade) is required on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the instructor. With instructor approval, the course paper may fulfill the Substantial Research and Writing Project or other writing requirements provided it is at least 30 pages in length and otherwise complies with SRWP requirements. The remainder of the grade (40%) is based on the quality and frequency of class participation, and may require the preparation of short presentations, and response papers.

This fall-only seminar is designed to introduce students with limited familiarity with international law to principles involved in the use of force during periods of putative peace.  It will explore, for example, what circumstances constitute an “act of war” in variety of situations, to include cyberspace. 

Although the course will be taught online, I expect to offer in-person office hours and other small-group meetings on campus if possible (with virtual options for students who cannot attend). There is one assigned time block for the course, but the structure of classes may vary, and students may be divided into sections, discussion groups, and panels.

We will have some synchronous whole-group meetings and some class time divided between sections.  The course may include guest speakers (via Zoom).  There may be occasional asynchronous content, including short lectures, podcasts, and some documentary footage. Students will have advance notice of all required participation elements.

The course will analyze when and how force may be used in self-defense and will survey topics such as humanitarian intervention, hostage rescue, air defense identification zones, freedom of navigation operations, use of force in the cyber domain, and the legal aspects of international counter-piracy and counterterrorism operations (including drone strikes).  Efforts to limit the use of force in outer space as well as the implications of nuclear weapons and the emergence of autonomous weaponry will be explored.

Case studies and current news events will be examined in conjunction with the covered issues.  In addition, students will get an overview of the practical issues associated with the use of force, to include the weaponry, planning, and military techniques involved.

This course obviously addresses the use of force in international law.  Accordingly, class instruction will inevitably include written, oral, and visual depictions of physical force and violence—and occasionally extreme representations of the same.

There is no textbook for this course, but there will be a course pack along with materials (students may be required to purchase the course pack, but the cost will not exceed $25).

There is no examination, but a 20-page paper (constituting 60% of the grade) is required on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the instructor.  With instructor approval, the course paper may fulfill the Substantial Research and Writing Project or other writing requirements provided it is at least 30 pages in length and otherwise complies with SRWP requirements.  The remainder of the grade (40%) is based on the quality and frequency of class participation, and may require the preparation of short presentations, and response papers.

This fall-only seminar is designed to introduce students with limited familiarity with international law to principles involved in the use of force during periods of putative peace.  It will explore what circumstances constitute an “act of war” in variety of situations, to include cyberspace. 

The course will analyze when and how force may be used in self-defense and will survey topics such as humanitarian intervention, hostage rescue, air defense identification zones, freedom of navigation operations, and the legal aspects of international counter-piracy and counterterrorism operations (including drone strikes).  Efforts to limit the use of force in outer space as well as the implications of nuclear weapons and the emergence of autonomous weaponry will be explored.

Case studies and current news events will be examined in conjunction with the covered issues.  In addition, students will get an overview of the practical issues associated with the use of force, to include the weaponry, planning, and military techniques involved.

There is no examination, but a 20-page paper (constituting 65% of the grade) is required on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the instructor.  With instructor approval, the course paper may fulfill the Substantial Research and Writing Project or other writing requirements. provided it is at least 30 pages in length.  The remainder of the grade (35%) is based on the quality and frequency of class participation, and may require the preparation of short, written products.

This fall-only seminar is designed to introduce students with limited familiarity with international law to principles involved in the use of force during periods of putative peace.  It will explore what circumstances constitute an “act of war” in variety of situations, to include cyberspace. 

The course will analyze when and how force may be used in self-defense and will survey topics such as humanitarian intervention, hostage rescue, air defense identification zones, freedom of navigation operations, and the legal aspects of international counter-piracy and counterterrorism operations (including drone strikes).  Efforts to limit the use of force in outer space as well as the implications of nuclear weapons and the emergence of autonomous weaponry will be explored.

Case studies and current news events will be examined in conjunction with the covered issues.  In addition, students will get an overview of the practical issues associated with the use of force, to include the weaponry, planning, and military techniques involved.

There is no examination, but a 20-page paper (constituting 65% of the grade) is required on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the instructor.  With instructor approval, the course paper may fulfill the Substantial Research and Writing Project or other writing requirements. provided it is at least 30 pages in length.  The remainder of the grade (35%) is based on the quality and frequency of class participation, and may require the preparation of short, written products.

This seminar will examine current (to include world events that may arise during the course) and historical applications of international law as it relates to the use of force. It focuses on jus ad bellum as opposed to jus in bello, although there will be some overlap. While of obvious interest to those considering government (to include military) and nongovernmental organization service, the course aims to provide a general background and context useful to a wide variety of law practices, particular those involving global business endeavors which may be impacted by international security issues. Students will consider the creative possibilities and practical limitations of international law for regulating the use of force in a variety of situations, especially during periods of putative peace. Case studies curren t news events - will be examined in conjunction with the issues covered. The seminar will analyze what constitutes "force" and "armed attack" under international law, and will survey such topics as self-defense, humanitarian intervention, the law of rescue, and the legal aspects of international counter-piracy and counterterrorism operations. The characteristics of use of force in space and cyberspace also will be discussed, as will be the use of drones and autonomous weapons systems. In addition, the lawfulness of nuclear weaponry, particularly as a deterrent, will be assessed. Students will be encouraged to relate legal and interdisciplinary sources in order to better understand the multi-faceted interaction between law and the use of force. There is no examination for this course (which will only be offered in the fall) but a 20-page paper (constituting 65% of the grade) is required on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the instructor. Students desiring to use the course paper to fulfill Upper-Level and possibly other writing requirement must obtain instructor approval and produce a paper at least 30 pages in length. The remainder of the grade (35%) is based on the quality and frequency of class participation. Students should be aware that this course may include discussion and visual depictions (still and video) of armed conflict and other acts of extreme violence. This course will utilize a course pack. It is anticipated that during the fall of 2017, there will be no class on Tuesday, September 5th, and a make-up class on Friday, September 22nd.

This seminar will examine international law concerning the use of force. It focuses on jus ad bellum as opposed to jus in bello, although there will be some overlap. Students will consider the creative possibilities and practical limitations of international law for regulating the use of force in a variety of situations, especially during periods of putative peace. Case studies (contemporary and historical) will be examined in conjunction with the issues covered. The seminar will analyze what constitutes "force" and "armed attack" under international law, and will survey such topics as self-defense, humanitarian intervention, the law of rescue, and the legal aspects of international counter-piracy and counterterrorism operations. The characteristics of use of force in space and cyberspace also will be discussed, a s will be the use of drones and autonomous weapons systems. In addition, the lawfulness of nuclear weaponry, particularly as a deterrent, will be assessed. Students will be encouraged to relate legal and interdisciplinary sources in order to better understand the multi-faceted interaction between law and the use of force. There is no examination for this course (which will only be offered in the fall) but a 20-page paper (constituting 65% of the grade) is required on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the instructor. Students desiring to use the course paper to fulfill Upper-Level and possibly other writing requirement must obtain instructor approval and produce a paper at least 30 pages in length. The remainder of the grade (35%) is based on the quality and frequency of class participation. Students should be aware that this course may include discussion and visual depictions (still and video) of armed conflict and other acts of extreme violence. The textbook for the course is Mary Ellen O'Connell's International Law and the Use of Force (2nd Ed., 2008), but students are strongly encouraged to consider obtaining a used book, or renting it (Amazon) as it will be used for about half the course, the rest of the material being provided by the instructor electronically. It is anticipated that during the fall of 2016, there will be a make-up class on Friday, September 23rd, and no class on Tuesday, November 14th.

This seminar will examine international law concerning the use of force. It focuses on jus ad bellum as opposed to jus in bello, although there will be some overlap. Students will consider the creative possibilities and practical limitations of international law for regulating the use of force in a variety of situations, especially during periods of putative peace. Case studies (contemporary and historical) will be examined in conjunction with the issues covered. The seminar will analyze what constitutes "force" and "armed attack" under international law, and will survey such topics as self-defense, humanitarian intervention, the law of rescue, and the legal aspects of international counter-piracy and counterterrorism operations.  The characteristics of use of force in space and cyberspace also will be discussed, as will be the use of drones and autonomous weapons systems. In addition, the lawfulness of nuclear weaponry, particularly as a deterrent, will be assessed.  Students will be encouraged to relate legal and interdisciplinary sources in order to better understand the multi-faceted interaction between law and the use of force.