LS5549: THE USE OF FORCE IN INTERNATIONAL LAW (2020-2021)

Last modified: 05 Aug 2021 13:04

Course Overview

The course analyses how international law regulates the use of armed forces between States. It is of interest to students who want to understand the legal considerations which frame contemporary conflicts. The course will study the fundamental principle of the prohibition on the use of inter-State force. It will examine the current exceptions to this principle, and how States try to justify the use of force. Consequently, the course will study the most recent recourses to force on the international plane, in particular in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Ukraine. Teaching will be delivered mainly through discussion based seminars.

Course Details

Study Type	Postgraduate	Level	5
Session	Second Sub Session	Credit Points	30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus	Aberdeen	Sustained Study	No
Co-ordinators	Dr Irene Couzigou

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

One of Law (LS) or MSc Strategic Studies and International Law (Studied) or MSc International Relations and International Law (Studied) or MSc Strategic Studies (Studied)
Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (Studied)

Are there a limited number of places available?

Course Description

The course aims to analyse how international law regulates the use of armed force between States. It is of interest to every student who wants to understand the legal considerations which frame contemporary conflicts. The course will first analyse the fundamental principle of the prohibition on the use of force between States. It will then examine the current exceptions to this principle, and how States try to justify the use of force. In doing so, the course will study how the international community has reacted to the most recent recourses to force on the international plane, in particular in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Ukraine.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers

Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

2500 word essay 30%

48 hours written exam 70%

Resit: resubmission of failed elements

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Level	Thinking Skill	Outcome

Factual	Remember	ILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.