• E4J University Module Series: Counter-Terrorism

• Module 6: Military / Armed Conflict Approaches to Countering Terrorism

• Introduction and learning outcomes

• Key issues

• • Core principles of international humanitarian law
  • Categorization of an armed conflict
  • Classification of persons
  • International humanitarian law, terrorism and counter-terrorism
  • Relationship between international humanitarian law and international human rights law

• Exercises and case studies

• Possible class structure

• Core reading

• Advanced reading

• Student assessment

• Additional teaching tools

• References

 

Published in July 2018.

 

 

  This module is a resource for lecturers  

 

Student assessment

 

This section provides suggestions for post-class assignments for the purpose of assessing students' understanding of the Module. Suggestions for pre-class or in-class assignments are provided in the Exercises section.

Assessment questions

• What are the main characteristics of a military/armed conflict approach to counter-terrorism? How does its legal framework differ from that of a criminal justice approach?
• "The War on Terrorism will end when terrorism is defeated". When, if ever, will that be? Discuss with reference especially to International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
• Why does IHL differentiate between international armed conflicts and non-international armed conflicts? What is the consequence of this distinction?
• Critically evaluate the legal status of ISIL 'fighters' in Iraq and Syria involved in military activities through the lens of IHL. Were they terrorists, parties to a conflict (if so, what type of conflict), or both?
• What are the legal consequences for terrorists committing criminal acts during situations of armed conflict who are not parties to the conflict?
• Discuss in what ways international human rights law applies in situations of armed conflict, with examples of specific rights. How would the scope and application of the same rights be different in peacetime?
• Critically evaluate the principal arguments for and against a third category of 'unlawful' or 'enemy' combatants. Explain, with reasons, which position you believe be the correct one.
• What are the risks and implications, from a multidisciplinary approach, associated with the 'terrorist label'; please use an example to support your arguments?

 

Next page

Back to top