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.
The latest issue of Criminal Law Forum (Vol. 27, no. 1, March 2016) is out. Contents include:
