Learning outcomes

The programme provides a wide-ranging analysis of institutional and normative aspects of the governance of international crises encompassing armed conflicts (both national and international), calamities and natural disasters, as well as humanitarian crises. Moreover it focuses on what responders must do during critical period of crisis response and on how organizations can prepare themselves for high performance in this situations. It examines which skills and management systems crises demand; considers the differences between managing routine emergencies and crisis and asks how organizations can effectively prepare for crises in advance. The aim of the course is to provide students with in-depth knowledge across the whole subject area. Starting from the understanding of functions and purposes of the international intervention in areas of crisis, the course will focus on legal and institutional framework for military humanitarian interventions, the applicable law to and rules of engagements of military contingents deployed in host-states, and the accountability mechanisms addressing their violations.
Except for the introductory part – which is essential in particular for students who never studied international law - the course is structured in 4-8 hours weekly “thematic blocks” during which students will be invited to actively participate to lectures through the analysis of material that will be circulated in advance even trough the e-learning platform. Items 5), 6) and 8) will be lectured by experts with long-lasting experience on the field. For several other items students would be asked to carry on proactive group activity analysing and presenting case-studies to the class.

Program

1) International crises today: traditional warfare, asymmetrical conflicts, terrorism, humanitarian crisis and natural disasters. (4h)
2) International Public Law Essentials: subjects, sources, responsibility, the use of force and the self-defence. (8h)
3) Threats to peace and international security: the role of United Nations, Regional Organizations and Coalition of States, with particular reference to peace-keeping, peace-enforcement e peace-building. (8h)
4) International Community role, functions and purposes regarding State-building. (4h)
5) Civil-Military Cooperation within the state of crisis. (4h)
6) International post-disaster and post-calamity response. (4h)
7) Migration crisis. (4h)
8) Applicable law to military contingents deployed in international operations: rules of engagements vis à vis International Humanitarian Law. (8h)
8) Overview of the regime of international responsibility: individual, State and International Organizations responsibility. (6h)
10) Case study (6h)

Examination Methods

Recommended texts
The teaching material will be distributed during the course and it will be contextually published on the e-learning platform.

Final exam
Attending students will undertake a written exam on the basis of the materials distributed in class.
Non-attending students will undertake an oral exam based on the materials published on the e-learning dedicated webpage.

Teaching materials e documents

•   Programma e testi consigliati   (docx, it, 90 KB, 17/09/15)