Objectives: This course has the primary objective of advancing specialised knowledge of international law in the area of peace and security.  International Security Law focuses primarily on collective security measures involving both military and non-military activities.  Traditionally, this area has been covered by the International Law on the Use of Force in conjunction with the unilateral use of force by states. However, the invigoration of the UN Security Council's authority and its expansion of activities since the end of the Cold War have significantly increased an understanding of the legal basis, nature and limits of collective security measures.  The area can be conceptualised by being placed between the fields of International Dispute Resolution focusing on peaceful settlement of disputes on the one hand and the International Law on the Use of Force encompassing military orientation on the other.

The course will first introduce students to the conceptual, normative and institutional framework governing international peace and security law.  It will then move on to two major components of collective security measures - peacekeeping and peace enforcement - in which recent operational and doctrinal developments such as civilian protection and the notion of "responsibility to protect" will also be discussed.  During the course, students will be given opportunities to familiarise themselves with contemporary examples of how international law in different areas regulates the way in which security measures are adopted and undertaken against existing and emerging threats. 

At the conclusion of the course students will:

• have a sound knowledge of the conceptual, normative and institutional frameworks characterising international security law and rules governing the operations for the purpose of maintaining or restoring international peace and security;
• be aware of the relevant provisions of the United Nations Charter dealing with peacekeeping and peace enforcement as well as issues arising therefrom;
• be able to undertake an in-depth examination of international law issues arising from different international security concerns within the normative and institutional frameworks.

Students must rely on the Approved Assessment which will be posted to the course homepage on the ANU Law website, prior to the commencement of the course.

26 Contact Hours (Intensive Delivery)

Click here for the 2010 timetable

LAWS8182 / LAWS8256 Principles of International Law