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Contemporary armed conflicts increasingly attract public attention, especially from a security perspective. However, we will look at wars and warfare through the eyes of those who suffer the most, and we will be interested in the challenges we face in connection with modern conflicts and the protection of their victims. International Humanitarian Law (IHL; synonyms are "law of war", "law of armed conflict") is one of the paths that shows us that the consequences of warfare can be mitigated not only on the battlefield itself but also beyond it. Understanding the rules of war is therefore a fundamental prerequisite for contributing to the so-called humanization of wars. IHL is increasingly mentioned in the media, professional discussions, and among the public, so a basic orientation in this area is a useful asset for every graduate of humanities subjects. The subject is interdisciplinary, and we will encounter various perspectives: historical, philosophical, ethical, social, cultural, and anthropological. We will emphasize the role of civil society and its connection to the rules of warfare. We will also try to find answers to controversial questions related to, for example, autonomous weapon systems, robots, or artificial intelligence. The course is recommended not only for master's but also for bachelor's students.
The course is intended primarily for non-lawyers and should be helpful for those students who are specialising or considering careers in politics, governmental institutions, NGOs, security,
peacekeeping, human rights and humanitarian affairs, and journalists.
Last update: Smejkal Richard, Ing., Ph.D. (06.02.2024)
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Are wars just? Is there a law in war? Can wars be humane? Do you want to learn how to argue in matters of armed conflicts? What is and what is not humanitarian aid? Can humanity be exploited? Who is responsible for killing robots (so-called killer robots), autonomous weapon systems, drones, or artificial intelligence? And what is the role of civil society? How to understand some of the current war conflicts? Are you planning to work or help in crisis areas? Are you heading to international, governmental, or non-governmental organizations? What does a humanitarian convoy in a combat zone look like? Do you want to find out how international humanitarian law also applies to those who do not fight? Although at first glance, it might seem that the issue of wars and their rules only pertains to lawyers or members of the armed forces, it is important to realize that these rules apply to all persons moving in an armed conflict environment, i.e., to all local civilian population, workers of non-governmental and humanitarian organizations, including medical and spiritual staff, journalists performing specific tasks, and even "war tourists". The seminar is beneficial for all potential interested parties in activities in non-governmental (humanitarian) organizations operating mainly in crisis areas. It is also suitable, for example, for those interested in working in the central bodies of state administration (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Culture) and possibly for journalists and documentarians dealing with this issue. In the case of bachelor's students, it offers an interdisciplinary insight into questions related to warfare. Last update: Smejkal Richard, Ing., Ph.D. (06.02.2024)
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Wars are banned, yet they continue to occur. Do soldiers have unlimited options in combat? Whom do the Geneva Conventions protect? How are medics, humanitarian workers, and journalists protected in combat zones? Civilians are increasingly becoming part of combat operations. Does the situation in the Middle East affect the ways of warfare? Modern technologies, autonomous weapon systems, artificial intelligence, drones, and their regulation. Who is responsible for violations of the rules in war? What are war crimes? How is the law enforced at all? The effort to mitigate the consequences of battles is as old as warfare itself, yet tangible results were only achieved in the historically recent past when the International Committee of the Red Cross managed to convince the major powers and lay the foundations of international humanitarian law (IHL). Law, which philosophically speaking, limits the originally unlimited, and law, which sets a standard of humanity. Although IHL does not eliminate all the negative consequences of armed conflicts, respecting its norms allows for the mitigation of unnecessary suffering of victims to achieve military objectives. The role of civil society, the role of us all, is indispensable in creating the rules of war. Last update: Smejkal Richard, Ing., Ph.D. (06.02.2024)
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The teaching method is face-to-face (divided into six blocks), with the possibility of hybrid or distance learning during anti-epidemic measures. No prior knowledge in the field is required. The course is designed for both consecutive master's and bachelor's studies. The subject is interdisciplinary, intertwining historical, philosophical, ethical, social, cultural, and anthropological perspectives. Block I: When does war start and end? And is it even important?
Block II: What can and can't soldiers do in combat?
Block III: Civilians under fire.
Block IV: Humanity live. The role of non-governmental organizations.
Block V: When fog descends on the battlefield.
Block VI: Who is guilty and who is innocent?
Course completion requirements:
Required reading:
Last update: Smejkal Richard, Ing., Ph.D. (06.02.2024)
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No prerequisites are set. The seminar acquaints participants not only with the basic rules of war but primarily with their application in real situations (examples from current practice). The aim is to connect with other disciplines, with an emphasis on practical understanding and application. Last update: Smejkal Richard, Ing., Ph.D. (06.02.2024)
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