Study

This fall-only seminar is designed to introduce students with limited (or no) familiarity with international law to the principles involved in using force during periods of putative peace. As a jus ad bellum seminar, it will explore, for example, what situations constitute an “act of war” in various situations and domains (e.g., cyberspace). It will also address some jus in bello issues but will not overlap significantly with LAW 546 International Law of Armed Conflict, which is expected to be offered in the Spring of 2026.

This course 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.

It will also examine the legal aspects of international counterpiracy and counterterrorism operations. Additionally, the course will investigate efforts to limit the use of force in outer space, the implications of nuclear weapons, and the rise 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 18. Instead, on Sunday, November 16th, the class will meet from 3:30 to 6:30 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. (Dates subject to change.)

There is no final exam for this course, but it does require a 20-page paper on a topic approved by the instructor. It will comprise 65% of a student’s grade; the other 35% will be based on class participation (which may also include some written products, e.g., reaction papers).

Subject to instructor approval, the course paper may be used to fulfill Law School writing requirements such as the Substantial Research and Writing Project (SRWP).  However, in that case, the paper must be at least 30 pages in length.

This seminar is designed to help students gain a sense of the practical aspects associated with the use of force. This includes an overview of weaponry, planning, and military techniques. 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.

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

Fall 2025

Course Number	Course Credits	Evaluation Method	Instructor
227.01	2	Reflective Writing Research paper option, 25+ pages Research and/or analytical paper(s), 20+ pages Oral presentation Class participation	Charles J. Dunlap, Jr.
Canvas site: https://canvas.duke.edu/courses/65692