Prerequisite: None

Exam Type: No Exam

This reading group will explore the intersection of international law, the conduct of war, and cinema. Through the lens of film, students will examine the legal frameworks governing armed conflict, the ethical dilemmas faced in war, and the depiction of international law in popular culture. We will analyze cinematic portrayals of key issues in the legal regulation of war, including: targeting (and the use of new technologies); detention and prisoners of war; child soldiers; belligerent occupation; individual responsibility for war crimes. The films selected will offer both a historical and contemporary perspective.

Narrative and visual analysis will allow us to approach the topic along three lines: the morality of portrayed characters and situations; visual language and the creation of moral/legal narrative; its reception by individual spectators and the public as large.

The reading group aims to advance three objectives: introduce and critically discuss key concepts of the law of war; advance interdisciplinarity by integrating legal analysis with cultural criticism; invite reflection on current public perceptions of international law and war and the role of fictional narrative and media in shaping them.

This reading group will meet for six sessions over the semester, with each session focused on a specific film and its relevance to a topic in international law. Each meeting will include a brief introduction to the legal and historical background, screening of selected excerpts, and a guided discussion.

Note: This reading group will meet on the following dates: TBD.