All organised societies face the problem of controlling, by law, the use of force. International society is no exception. In fact, the control of the use of force in the international arena has proved to be one of the most intractable problems in international law. This course will examine the international law on the use of force, the jus ad bellum. It will introduce students to the laws relating to the prohibition of the use of force and discuss their exceptions, both agreed and controversial. Course participants will examine the law and practice relating to United Nations enforcement and peacekeeping action, including the changing nature and role of UN security actions in the post-Cold War era. The course will pay particular attention to the development of unilateral security actions such as the war in Iraq (2003) and discuss other recent developments such as the legality of the doctrine of pre-emptive force.

More information can be found on the Course Outline Website.