Simply put, these instruments seek to spare civilians and others who are no longer active combatants from the effects of hostilities by placing restrictions and prohibitions on the conduct of warfare.

The hoary doctrine of “proportionality” from the “just war” theory is being sorely tested by the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. The premise of this theory, as first expounded in the West by ...

Robert Goldman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond ...