New publication out by GRILI-member, Yiannis Bamnios in Opinio Juris:

The article examines the legal risks of using mixed convoys—specifically those combining U.S. (a belligerent) and neutral naval escorts—to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after Iran’s closure. Under the Law of Naval Warfare, only convoys composed entirely of neutral merchant ships escorted solely by neutral warships are exempt from visit, search, or attack. Any involvement of U.S. or other belligerent warships renders the entire convoy a lawful military target. The piece warns that proposed multinational escort arrangements could unintentionally forfeit neutrality protections and expose participating vessels to legitimate force.

Read the full article 'here'

There is currently no shortage of commentaries on the relevance of international law, and the prohibition to use force in particular, as the world undergoes geopolitical upheaval. For Western policy-makers, the challenge to international law – or the so called ‘rules-based order’ – is often laid squarely on Russia, China and Iran. However, over the past year Canada, the UK, and other European states, with a few exceptions, have done little to challenge the US’s unjustified uses of force in Venezuela and Iran, and have stood idly by as Israelillegally intervenes throughout the Middle East. In some cases, they have suggested that these interventions are legitimate and have questioned the relevance, or utility, of international law.

On 29 May, GRILI is pleased to welcome back Prof. Alexandra Hofer (Utrecht University) to our faculty for a thought-provoking seminar on the law on the use of force, entitled: “Article 2(4) is Dead; Long Live Article 2(4)!”

During this seminar, Prof. Hofer will argue that because of the importance of regulating the use of force in inter-state relations, Article 2(4) may be revisited and revised, but it will not die. The same, however, cannot be said about the reputation and credibility of those who breach it and who do not defend it. The stakes are especially high for actors such as the US and the European Union who portray themselves as ‘enforcers’ of the ‘rules-based order’.

Practical details:

• Date and time: Friday 29 May, 13:30-14:30
• Location: ICRP ‘Liberty’ meeting room (Emile Braunschool, 3rd floor)
• Registration: This event is open to all interested participants. Please register by emailing grili@ugent.be no later than 28 May.