This module will develop students' understanding of the international law and practice relating to the regulation of conflict, with a particular emphasis on the role of the United Nations. The module focuses on two principal areas:
* the law relating to the use of force (the jus ad bellum), including questions relating to self-defence, anticipatory self-defence, the deployment of UN forces (or UN-mandated coalitions), and whether the use of force may be required in certain circumstances, and
* United Nations-led efforts to address threats to international peace and security, with a particular focus on the deployment of UN forces in peacekeeping and peace enforcement contexts, and the use of sanctions.
Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter prohibits 'the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state'. This prohibition is a foundational principle of the modern international order. However, it is subject to two notable exceptions:
* Article 42 of the UN Charter establishes that the UN Security Council may authorise the use of force in order to maintain or restore international peace and security;
* Article 51 of the UN Charter acknowledges States' inherent right to individual or collective self-defence, 'if an armed attack occurs'.
The initial lectures focus on examining the law and practice relating to the use of force, in light of Articles 42 and 51. The concept of humanitarian intervention – also known as the Responsibility to Protect (or 'R2P') – is also addressed.
Attention then turns to the deployment of UN forces in peacekeeping and peace enforcement contexts. The deployment of UN forces ('blue helmets') is one of the most significant international developments in the last 50 years. It is also one of the most important and largest activities of the United Nations. These lectures aim to provide students with an understanding of peace operations and the components of international law, including international human rights law and the law of armed conflict, relevant to field operations.
The idea of peace operations was not contained in the UN Charter. The development of peace operations has been gradual and at times haphazard, and this also applies to the relevant law. The management of peace operations-related legal issues is characterised by the endeavour to consolidate existing principles, rules and guidelines, while at the same time developing these rules to meet new challenges. Just as peace operations are themselves evolving, so too is the law.
This module will develop students understanding of how public international law, international human rights law, international law of armed conflict, and other relevant laws, apply to peace operations. This will also require students to develop an understanding of the institutional law of the United Nations. As well as covering the foundational legal aspects of peace operations, the module will focus on some key unresolved legal issues. By their nature peace operations can be politically difficult, which in turn has had an impact on the role of law. Students will be encouraged to consider and debate the role of international law in achieving international peace, human rights and security.
The final component of the module addresses the use of sanctions by the United Nations, as measures intended to restore or maintain international peace and security. Sanctions are particularly relevant in the context of counter-terrorism efforts, although their use may have significant human rights implications.
- Module Supervisor: Tuba Turan