War, Terror, Violence and International Law: A Sussex Masterclass

International law is a dynamic and evolving area of law. It encompasses a wide range of
topics and specialisations engaging with the relationships between states, non-state actors
and international organisations. International law often operates in highly politicised
contexts such as use of force, armed conflicts or climate emergency. It seems to provide
many answers to questions regarding the legality of the use of military force between
states. It has, however, traditionally been less clear on questions regarding the use of force
against non-state actors, and in particular those of a terrorist nature.
This Masterclass is delivered by the Professor of International Law at The University of
Sussex and is based on content from one of the lectures in the module titled ‘War, Terror,
Violence and International Law’. It seeks to address the question of the legality of the use of
force in response to the activities of actors which have been designated as ‘terrorist’ in
nature, in particular those actions ostensibly justified as self-defence. When can it be said
that the activities of these actors are serious enough to justify such a response? Given that
such actors reside on the territories of other states what might justify the incursion through
military force into these states’ territories? These are some of the pertinent questions
addressed in the video.
Interested in exploring this subject further, or delving into the other subjects taught on the
International Law Master’s course at The University of Sussex? Find out more:
www.sussex.ac.uk/study/master...