The Use of Force in 2015 with Particular Reference to Syria

Abstract

Lecture given at Hebrew University offering a brief look at some jus ad bellum issues that arose in the course of 2015 particularly with reference to Syria (and Iraq). Including whether: there is a right of self-defence against armed attacks by non-State actors like the so-called ‘Islamic State’; How, assuming anticipatory self-defence is permitted, the requirement of imminence applies in the case of self-defence against a terrorist group; and, possibly what is necessary and proportionate in the case of self-defence against terrorist groups.

Keywords: terror; international law; international relations, jus ad bellum, ISIS, Iraq, war, use of force