GSC 505

Law of War

This online course looks into the law of war, which is a set of humanitarian-based regulations driven by the international community. It is also known as international humanitarian law (IHL) and the law of armed conflict (LOAC). Students learn about jus ad bellum and jus in bello, which determine whether a war conflict was actually entered and is then conducted justly. This online course also takes into consideration the difference between international and in-state conflict.

These international humanitarian laws can have teeth, as states which violate the law of war can be penalized by the international community and international agencies. While studying the international rules of war, you will learn how the law of war is enforced and the complications associated with enforcing compliance on a global stage.

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Quick facts

Credit hours 3

Course fee: TBD

General studies: No

Course components: Online lectures, discussion boards, and reading and writing assignments.

Prerequisites: Available to degree- or non-degree-seeking graduate students.

Law of war class details

At the completion of this course, students will be able to:

1

Describe and explain the core principles of the law of war.

2

Explain the general meaning and significance of jus ad bellum, the international rules and practices regarding the “use of force”.

3

Analyze the significance of the distinction between combatants and civilians for managing armed conflict.

4

Apply the core idea of “necessity” to a specific case study.

5

Examine and discuss the idea of a “war crime” and explain its link to the law of war.

6

Demonstrate an understanding of how and why a cyberattack can be analyzed through the law of war.

See what you'll learn in Law of War

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See what you'll learn in Law of War

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Law of war instructors

Jonathan Kinkel

Jonathan J. Kinkel teaches in the MA in global security program and the School of Politics and Global Studies at Arizona State University. He has a background in political science (PhD, University of Texas-Austin) and law (JD, University of Wisconsin), and his research has focused on the intersection between comparative politics, international relations, Chinese politics and global institutions. He also has experience in the NGO sector, specializing in human rights and U.S.-China relations.

Daniel Rothenberg

Jonathan J. Kinkel teaches in the MA in global security program and the School of Politics and Global Studies at Arizona State University. He has a background in political science (PhD, University of Texas-Austin) and law (JD, University of Wisconsin), and his research has focused on the intersection between comparative politics, international relations, Chinese politics and global institutions. He also has experience in the NGO sector, specializing in human rights and U.S.-China relations.

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