At the crossroads of scholarship and practice
The Lieber Institute at West Point facilitates and contributes to the global dialogue on today’s most pressing and complex law of war issues. Through its research, publications, events and education, it strives to advance the understanding and maintain the primacy of law in today’s armed conflicts.
The Lieber Institute seeks to bridge the divide between legal scholarship and battlefield experience in the study of the law. It engages in innovative research and collaboration on multiple topics of legal study including targeting, detention, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and war crimes accountability.
Researching Cutting-edge Issues.
Promoting Understanding.
Empowering Combat Leaders.
“Active” Human Shielding and the Law of Armed Conflict
To counter Israel Defense Force (IDF) superiority, Hamas long ago adopted the strategy of human shielding, one widely condemned as unlawful (see, e.g., here, here, and here). But reports have also emerged concerning an alleged practice by some IDF ground units labeled...
Carving Up Ukraine: What About the Azov Sea?
Among other things, the ongoing negotiations to end hostilities in the Russia-Ukraine War include a maritime ceasefire agreement for halting hostilities in the Black Sea. At this stage, no publicly available details exist concerning practice and implementation....
Can Israel Target Iran in Response to Houthi Attacks? Exploring the Threshold of “Substantial Involvement”
Following the Houthi missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, May 4, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate not only against the Houthis, but also against their “patron,” Iran, declaring that such action would take place “at a time...
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Volume 9
Volume 8
Volume 7
