Books in the The Lieber Studies Series series

Prior to the progressive development of the law of armed conflict heralded by the 1949 Geneva ConventionsΓÇömostparticularly in relation to the concepts of international and non-international armed conflictΓÇöthe customary doctrine onrecognition of belligerency functioned for almost 200 years as the definitive legal scheme for differentiating internal conflict from "civil wars," in which the law of war as applicable between states applied de jure. Employing a legal historical approach, this book describes the thematic and practical fundamentals of the doctrine, and analyzes some of the more significant challenges to its application. In doing so, it assesses whether, how, and why the doctrine on recognition of belligerency was considered "fit for purpose," and seeks to inform debate as to its continuity and utility within the modern scheme of the law of armed conflict.

Emerging technologies have always played an important role in armed conflict. From the crossbow to cyber capabilities, technology that could be weaponized to create an advantage over an adversary has inevitably found its way into military arsenals for use in armed conflict. The weaponization of emerging technologies, however, raises challenging legal issues with respect to the law of armed conflict. As States continue to develop and exploit new technologies, how willthe law of armed conflict address the use of these technologies on the battlefield? Is existing law sufficient to regulate new technologies, such as cyber capabilities, autonomous weapons systems, and artificial intelligence? Have emerging technologies fundamentally altered the way we shouldunderstand concepts such as law-of-war precautions and the principle of distinction? How can we ensure compliance and accountability in light of technological advancement? This volume of the Lieber Studies explores these critical questions while highlighting the legal challengesΓÇöand opportunitiesΓÇöpresented by the use of emerging technologies on the battlefield.