Diritto internazionale dei conflitti armati
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
Undefined
Expected learning outcomes
Undefined
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course focuses on the study of the international law of armed conflicts, with particular regard to international humanitarian law and the main legal issues relating to the conduct of hostilities, the protection of persons and responsibility for violations of the applicable rules.
The syllabus includes, in particular, the following topics:
- Concept, sources and historical development of the law of armed conflicts: Hague law, Geneva law, customary international law and the relationship with general international law.
- Scope of application of international humanitarian law: international and non-international armed conflicts; classification of conflicts; thresholds of application; belligerent occupation.
- Fundamental principles governing the conduct of hostilities: distinction, proportionality, precaution, military necessity and the prohibition of unnecessary suffering.
- Means and methods of warfare: regulation of weapons, prohibitions and restrictions concerning specific means and methods of combat, protection of the natural environment and cultural property.
- Protection of persons in armed conflicts: combatants, prisoners of war, civilians, the wounded, the sick, the shipwrecked, medical and humanitarian personnel.
- Law of belligerent occupation: powers and obligations of the occupying power, protection of the civilian population and administration of occupied territory.
- Relationship between international humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law: concurrent application and issues of coordination.
- International responsibility and enforcement of violations: State responsibility, individual criminal responsibility, war crimes, the role of international criminal tribunals and the International Criminal Court.
- Non-State actors and contemporary armed conflicts: organized armed groups, multinational operations, peacekeeping, new technologies and current challenges for the law of armed conflicts.
The detailed course syllabus will be available on the course ARIEL page shortly before the start of classes.
The syllabus includes, in particular, the following topics:
- Concept, sources and historical development of the law of armed conflicts: Hague law, Geneva law, customary international law and the relationship with general international law.
- Scope of application of international humanitarian law: international and non-international armed conflicts; classification of conflicts; thresholds of application; belligerent occupation.
- Fundamental principles governing the conduct of hostilities: distinction, proportionality, precaution, military necessity and the prohibition of unnecessary suffering.
- Means and methods of warfare: regulation of weapons, prohibitions and restrictions concerning specific means and methods of combat, protection of the natural environment and cultural property.
- Protection of persons in armed conflicts: combatants, prisoners of war, civilians, the wounded, the sick, the shipwrecked, medical and humanitarian personnel.
- Law of belligerent occupation: powers and obligations of the occupying power, protection of the civilian population and administration of occupied territory.
- Relationship between international humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law: concurrent application and issues of coordination.
- International responsibility and enforcement of violations: State responsibility, individual criminal responsibility, war crimes, the role of international criminal tribunals and the International Criminal Court.
- Non-State actors and contemporary armed conflicts: organized armed groups, multinational operations, peacekeeping, new technologies and current challenges for the law of armed conflicts.
The detailed course syllabus will be available on the course ARIEL page shortly before the start of classes.
Prerequisites for admission
Constitutional Law (compulsory)
International Law (compulsory)
Institutions of Private Law (compulsory)
International Law (compulsory)
Institutions of Private Law (compulsory)
Teaching methods
The course will mainly consist of lectures aimed at providing a systematic overview of the fundamental institutions of the international law of armed conflicts. Lectures may be complemented by the analysis of practical cases, international documents, resolutions of international organizations, national and international case law, and materials drawn from the practice of States and international organizations.
Particular attention will be devoted to in-class discussion of current issues relating to armed conflicts, with a view to developing students' ability to apply the rules of international humanitarian law to concrete situations and to critically assess possible legal solutions.
Particular attention will be devoted to in-class discussion of current issues relating to armed conflicts, with a view to developing students' ability to apply the rules of international humanitarian law to concrete situations and to critically assess possible legal solutions.
Teaching Resources
The reference textbook for preparing for the examination is:
- Natalino Ronzitti, Diritto internazionale dei conflitti armati, Giappichelli, 7th ed., 2021.
Any further materials, such as legal texts, international documents, judicial decisions or other supplementary materials, will be indicated by the lecturer during the course and made available on the ARIEL page of the course.
- Natalino Ronzitti, Diritto internazionale dei conflitti armati, Giappichelli, 7th ed., 2021.
Any further materials, such as legal texts, international documents, judicial decisions or other supplementary materials, will be indicated by the lecturer during the course and made available on the ARIEL page of the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment will take the form of an oral examination at the end of the course. The examination is aimed at assessing students' knowledge of the fundamental institutions of the international law of armed conflicts, their ability to correctly identify and interpret the relevant legal sources, and their capacity to apply the rules studied during the course to concrete cases and situations drawn from international practice.
The assessment will take into account, in particular, the following criteria: knowledge and understanding of the topics covered by the syllabus; ability to reconstruct the applicable legal framework in a systematic manner; appropriate use of legal terminology; argumentative skills; critical autonomy in the analysis of legal issues relating to armed conflicts; ability to connect international humanitarian law with general international law, international human rights law and international criminal law.
Further information on the examination arrangements for attending students will be provided during the course.
The assessment will take into account, in particular, the following criteria: knowledge and understanding of the topics covered by the syllabus; ability to reconstruct the applicable legal framework in a systematic manner; appropriate use of legal terminology; argumentative skills; critical autonomy in the analysis of legal issues relating to armed conflicts; ability to connect international humanitarian law with general international law, international human rights law and international criminal law.
Further information on the examination arrangements for attending students will be provided during the course.
IUS/13 - INTERNATIONAL LAW - University credits: 6
Lessons: 42 hours
Professor:
Silingardi Stefano
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Silingardi StefanoProfessor(s)
Reception:
Tuesday: 10.30-12.30 by appointment to be arranged via email
Department of Italian and Supranational Public Law - Basement level, corner room.