The Operational Consequences of Conflating the “Why” and “How” of War

The Operational Consequences of Conflating the “Why” and “How” of War

The Operational Consequences of Conflating the “Why” and “How” of War In conflict, determining whose cause is “more just” can span the spectrum of opinion and complexity. For example, most States consider Ukraine to be the “victim” State in its international armed...
Iran and Israel: The Light Treatment of Jus ad Bellum

Iran and Israel: The Light Treatment of Jus ad Bellum

Iran and Israel: The Light Treatment of Jus ad Bellum In the early hours of October 26, 2024, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launched a large-scale attack against Iran. According to the IDF, these were “precise and targeted strikes against military targets in a...
The Evolving Interpretation of the Use of Force in Cyber Operations: Insights from State Practices

The Evolving Interpretation of the Use of Force in Cyber Operations: Insights from State Practices

The Evolving Interpretation of the Use of Force in Cyber Operations: Insights from State Practices Editors’ note: This post is drawn from the author’s article-length work with Professor Michael Schmitt, “Cyberspace and the Jus ad Bellum: The State of Play” appearing...
Ukraine Symposium – Ukraine, International Law, and Humanitarian Intervention

Ukraine Symposium – Ukraine, International Law, and Humanitarian Intervention

Ukraine Symposium – Ukraine, International Law, and Humanitarian Intervention Responses to States that commit atrocities against their own people have long eluded international law. Some have pinned hopes on the concept of “humanitarian intervention,” whereby a State...
Defeat: Meanings, Consequences, Law, and Doctrine

Defeat: Meanings, Consequences, Law, and Doctrine

Defeat: Meanings, Consequences, Law, and Doctrine Victory. Defeat. Two seemingly straightforward words that capture the big-picture objectives and results of war. As many current and recent conflicts over the past few decades demonstrate, however, the reality is...