Modern Weapons and the Law of Armed Conflict

Abstract

This chapter begins with a brief discussion of the history of efforts to regulate permissible weapons and munitions. As the increasingly sophisticated nature of weapons law is inextricably linked to this history, Part II provides important context for understanding this component of the law of armed conflict. The framework of the law of weaponry and the principles for regulating the means of warfare are considered in Part III. Part IV discusses the process for determining whether a weapon is lawful and allowed in military operations. Part V concludes that, notwithstanding the claims of some critics, weapons law is sufficiently robust and pliable to regulate current and emerging means of war.

Keywords: Law of Armed Conflict, IHL, Weapons, Munitions, Regulating Weapons, military necessity, humanity, warfare, cyber space, autonomous weapons,

JEL Classification: K10, K33