Applying IHL Targeting Rules to Practical Situations: Proportionality and Military Objectives

Abstract

The IHL targeting rules are framed in relatively abstract terms and there is, unfortunately, no general agreement concerning precisely which objects constitute military objectives and concerning the relative values to be assigned to civilian losses and military advantages when computing the proportionality equation. The author encourages the development of a dialogue between all informed and interested parties, based in large part on case studies, to clarify the concepts.