International Humanitarian Law at the Tip of the Sword: A Sociological Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55606/jurrish.v5i4.8615Keywords:
Armed Conflict, Civilian Protection, Compliance, Legal Norms, Military EthicsAbstract
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) serves as a vital normative framework aimed at regulating armed conflict, protecting civilians, and limiting unnecessary suffering. While its principles are well-established, contemporary warfare poses significant challenges to its implementation. Advances in technology, asymmetrical tactics, and evolving military doctrines often create tensions between operational objectives and legal obligations. This study adopts a sociological perspective to explore the interaction between IHL norms and military practice, focusing on how legal rules are interpreted, negotiated, or contested within armed forces and broader society. Using qualitative methods, including case studies of recent conflicts, the research examines factors influencing compliance with IHL, such as organizational culture, societal attitudes, and political pressures. The findings indicate that, although IHL remains a cornerstone of international normative order, its effectiveness is contingent on social, political, and institutional contexts. Recognizing these sociological dimensions is crucial for enhancing the legitimacy, enforcement, and adaptability of IHL, ensuring it continues to provide meaningful protection in increasingly complex and technologically driven warfare environments.
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