Conflict Prevention and Mitigation / Post Conflict Reconstruction

The Lieber Society on the Law of Armed Conflict of the American Society of International Law is sponsoring a panel discussion about the Court-Martial of US Army Sgt Bales for the murder of 16 Afghan civilians. The case presents a unique opportunity to explore the challenges in both investigating and prosecuting a case involving crimes in a remote area of a war zone, differing cultural perceptions of accountability and justice, and the relationship between military justice and international criminal justice.

SPEAKERS:

With the deadline for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) rapidly approaching, various groups are convening to talk about what is next. Many have indicated an imperative need for the inclusion of a rule of law component in the post-2015 framework, either as a separate goal or as a necessary underpinning to accomplish all development goals. The American Society of International Law will host a diverse group of rule of law development experts to address the issues of legal reform and development in the context of the MDGs.

Assuming efforts to achieve a negotiated resolution do not succeed, President Obama has made clear that the military option to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains on the table. Under what circumstance would the exercise of that option be consistent with domestic and international law? If the Security Council is blocked by Russia and China, what actions can the US or NATO take? Would authorization of the Congress be necessary? What about action by Israel?

This course is the last installment of three programs in a series cosponsored by the American Society of International Law in partnership with the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area’s International Law Committee to address the issue of the use of force. When is it permissible? What is the role of the UN and how can it be carried out?