BMET 22A33 - The International Law of Global Security
Over the past 70 years, in a globalized and constantly changing world, international law has become an essential feature of every major policy conversation, especially in the area of security. Yet, security—broadly understood as the safety and protection of individuals, states, and institutions—is also an inherently sensitive area of global and domestic politics, in which international law can serve as a tool of cooperation towards greater security, but is also sometimes criticized, challenged or disregarded. This course will give an overview of the answers provided by international law on a number of burning issues of a global character that are often looked at from a security perspective, including terrorism, forced displacement, cyberwarfare, pandemics, disinformation etc. This thematic overview will allow students to gain a basic understanding of the international legal landscape surrounding current security policy conversations, while reflecting on the strenghts and weaknesses of international law as a tool of international affairs. In the process, students will also gain exposure and learn the basic tenets of most of the branches of international law, including the law regulating armed conflict and the use of force, human rights law, refugee law, international criminal law etc.
Cyprien FLUZIN
Atelier
English
Spring 2022-2023
To validate the course, the student is expected to pass the following assignments:
1°) Active participation in class discussions (10%)
2°) Group presentations (30%): 9 out of the 12 sessions will include 10-15 minutes group presentations by groups of 2 or 3
3°) Final research brief (60%): 1.500-2.000 words
At the end of the course, the student is expected to :
1°) Know and understand the major bodies of international norms applicable to current global security challenges, their scope, strengths, weaknesses, and shortcomings
2°) Have a general knowledge of the major branches of international law and their interplay
3°) Understand the relevance, strengths and weaknesses of international law, broadly understood, in addressing global security challenges, and more generally as a tool of international affairs
The workshop will involve class conversations and group presentations. The final assessment in the form of a short research paper (1.500-2.000 words) will also help students practice their ability to conduct research and draft a succinct paper of a format similar to that of a policy/legal brief or blog post, and contribute to an ongoing conversation on major challenges related to international law and global security.
The Oxford Handbook of the International Law of Global Security, edited by Robin Geiss and Nils Melzer, Oxford University Press, 2021;
Security and International Law, edited by Mary E Footer, Julia Schmidt, Nigel D White, Lydia Davies-Bright, Hart Publishing, 2016 ;
International Law, Security and Ethics Policy Challenges in the post-9/11 World Edited, by Aidan Hehir, Natasha Kuhrt, Andrew Mumford, Routledge, 2011;