Off Limits? International Law and the Excessive Use of Force

Abstract

This paper aims to explore whether there are any legal limits to the use of force, in particular when force is used (as it so often is) for political reasons. How plausible is it to expect people to limit their options when they feel that what they’re doing paves the way towards paradise? In this light, much of the law of armed conflict would seem to be inadequate, based as much of it is on the premise that force is non-political. To the extent then that limits are conceivable, these may stem from the individual morality of those engaged in battle rather than from any grand legal designs.