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.
A Matter of Principle(s)? Acquiescence in International Humanitarian Law
Like hidden bunkers blended in the landscape, the operation of general principles of law in international humanitarian law (IHL) is not conspicuous at first glance. When referring to general principles (International Court of Justice (ICJ) Statute, art. 38(1)(c)) in...
Guilty Unless Proven Innocent: A Critique of Ali Kushayb Judgment
In its recent judgment, the International Criminal Court (ICC) convicted Ali Kushayb of multiple war crimes and crimes against humanity. A Janjaweed militia leader who operated in Darfur in 2003–2004, Ali Kushayb routinely implemented Sudanese government’s military...
ILC Draft Articles on Immunity of State Officials: Codification or Progressive Development?
The International Law Commission (ILC) has recently concluded its second reading of the Draft Articles on Immunity of State Officials from Foreign Criminal Jurisdiction. Draft Article 7 has received significant attention, as it addresses the controversial question of...
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