Call for Papers: The International Law of Military Operations: Mapping the Field

The International Society for Military Law and the Law of War and Exeter Law School have issued a call for papers for a conference on "The International Law of Military Operations: Mapping the Field," to take place June 21-23, 2016, in Exeter. Here's the call:

CALL FOR PAPERS

The International Law of Military Operations:
Mapping the Field

21–23 June 2016, Exeter, United Kingdom

http://www.opslaw.co.uk/conference

Conference Theme

Military deployments in the territory of other States are subject to a diverse range of rules under international law. In recent years, it has become increasingly common to refer to these rules as ‘operations law’ or the ‘international law of military operations’.

Despite the growing popularity of the term, its meaning and utility remain uncertain. The rules of international law governing military operations are complex and multifaceted. Is the concept of operations law merely a convenient label to describe the many legal regimes relevant to overseas deployments? Or does its growing use imply that military operations are governed by common principles forming part of a coherent legal framework?

The purpose of the conference is to develop our understanding of the international law of military operations from a comparative and practical perspective. The event will map the field by exploring the meaning and scope of the concept of operations law. It will also explore questions of current interest, such as the legal aspects of information operations, military deployments short of armed conflict, and the impact of human rights law. The conference will offer a unique opportunity for legal advisors and others working in the field to debate current legal challenges and to share national experiences and doctrine. To facilitate this exchange, the conference will set aside time to review training needs and best practices.

Confirmed speakers include Major-General Blaise Cathcart (Judge Advocate General of the Canadian Armed Forces), Professor Terry Gill (University of Amsterdam), Steven Hill (NATO Office of Legal Affairs), Professor Jann Kleffner (Swedish Defence University) and Professor Michael N. Schmitt (US Naval War College).

Call for Papers

It is with great pleasure that the International Society for Military Law and the Law of War and Exeter Law School invite subject matter experts to submit their proposals for presenting a paper at the conference. Proposals addressing the following topics are particularly welcome:

• the concept, meaning and scope of the international law of military operations;
• the place of the international law of military operations within the system of public international law as a potential lex specialis regime;
• the relevance and impact of particular branches of public international law—such as the law of the sea, air law, the law of international responsibility, international human rights law, the law of State jurisdiction and immunity—on the conduct of overseas military operations and vice versa;
• the legal framework of information and influence operations, both during and outside of armed conflict;
• current legal developments and legal challenges facing the conduct of overseas military operations, such as the emergence of hybrid threats;
• training needs in the area of the international law of military operations and how best to address them.

Submission and Selection of Papers

Please submit proposals for papers by 8 April 2016 to opslaw-conference@exeter.ac.uk. Proposals should contain the name and contact details of the applicant, the title of the paper to be presented and an abstract not exceeding 600 words. Applicants should also attach a brief CV. All papers to be presented should be original work and not have been published or submitted for publication elsewhere. Proposals and papers must be in English. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their submissions by the end of April 2016.

Publication of Papers

It is expected that the conference proceedings will lead to the publication of an edited volume with an academic publisher and/or a special issue of a leading law journal. Acceptance of papers for presentation at the conference does not automatically imply their selection for publication. Papers selected for publication will be subject to a separate process of peer review.

Administrative Arrangements

The conference will take place at the Streatham Campus of the University of Exeter. All conference participants, including speakers, are responsible for making their own travel arrangements. Accommodation will be arranged for speakers on campus. Further information and travel directions are available here.

Foreign visitors to the UK may have to apply for a visa at the appropriate Embassy or Consulate of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Speakers are responsible for the timely application for their visa.

Partial funding is available to cover the travel expenses of speakers. However, where possible, the conference organizers kindly invite speakers to cover their own travel expenses.

Please direct any queries concerning the submission of proposals for papers to opslaw-conference@exeter.ac.uk.