Transnational Asymmetric Armed Conflict Under International Humanitarian Law: Key Contemporary Challenges

Abstract

This book addresses some of the major challenges that contemporary conflicts, particularly transnational asymmetric armed conflicts, present in the context of international humanitarian law. Against the growing interface between international humanitarian and human rights law, it discusses the normative framework regulating such conflicts as well as particular issues concerning the law on targeting, such as the application of the principles of distinction and proportionality in scenarios of asymmetric conflict. The book defines the different positions in international discourse regarding these dilemmas and seeks wherever possible to reconcile them, at the same time that it highlights instances where there can be no reconciliation. The volume attempts to map the approaches toward some of the most pressing issues on the regulation of contemporary armed conflicts. Intended for military commanders, policymakers, lawyers, and the general public, it provides a detailed summary of these dilemmas that can serve decision makers in their formulation and assessment of state action and policy.

Keywords: International Law, International Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law, Armed Conflict, Targeting, Distinction, Proportionality, Law of Armed Conflict