This free course, The use of force in international law, is designed to provide you with an introduction to one of the contentious topics in public international law: the use of force. In this course, you will explore international rules governing the use of force, including an introduction to the laws of war (International Humanitarian Law). Finally, you will also consider the dilemma of humanitarian intervention, which you can later apply in the game Saving Setrus.

Syllabus

Introduction
Learning outcomes
1 History of the law on the use of force
1 History of the law on the use of force
1.1 The post-1945 legal framework
1.2 The use of force authorised by the UN Security Council
1.3 The use of force in self-defence
1.3.1 Criteria for self-defence
1.4 Self-defence against non-state actors
2 The law of armed conflict
2 The law of armed conflict
2.1 Overview of international humanitarian law
Historical development of IHL
The Law of The Hague and the Law of Geneva
Types of armed conflict
2.2 The main principles of IHL
2.3 Protection of civilians
Special protection under IHL
3 Humanitarian intervention and the responsibility to protect
3 Humanitarian intervention and the responsibility to protect
3.1 What is humanitarian intervention?
3.2 The dilemma of intervention
3.3 Beyond humanitarian intervention: some of the critical points
3.4 Responsibility to protect
Conclusion
References
Further reading
Acknowledgements

Reviews

4.5 rating, based on 2 Class Central reviews

4.7 rating at OpenLearn based on 21 ratings

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Yash Pratap Singh Narwaria
3

I recently had the privilege of taking a course on "The Use of Force in International Law," and it proved to be an enlightening and intellectually stimulating experience. Delving into the complexities of how nations navigate the delicate balance bet…

I recently had the privilege of taking a course on "The Use of Force in International Law," and it proved to be an enlightening and intellectually stimulating experience. Delving into the complexities of how nations navigate the delicate balance between sovereignty and the global interest in maintaining peace, this course provided an in-depth analysis that exceeded my expectations.

The course structure was exceptionally well-organized, offering a systematic progression through key historical events, landmark legal cases, and contemporary issues shaping the landscape of international relations. The instructors demonstrated an impressive mastery of the subject matter, ensuring that the material was presented in a clear and accessible manner, even for those without a legal background.
Issac Solomon

The course "The Use of Force in International Law" offers a comprehensive analysis of one of the most complex and crucial aspects of international law. It covers the legal framework surrounding the use of force by states, examining key principles such as sovereignty, self-defense, and humanitarian intervention. Through case studies, the course delves into real-world applications, highlighting the tensions between legal norms and geopolitical realities. The material is well-structured, with clear explanations of legal precedents and contemporary issues. This course provides valuable insights for anyone interested in international relations, diplomacy, or human rights law. Highly recommended for those seeking depth in this field.

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