LAW 726 - International Law of NATO

This is a survey course focusing on the international law governing the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), its privileges and immunities under international and domestic law, and the international law appurtenant to NATO’s activities and operations in the preservation of peace and security in the North Atlantic area. Upon completion of this course, the student will have achieved an orientation to the international law governing the formation and existence of international organizations, applicable treaty law, and the bodies of law coincident to NATO’s activities and operations, including the law of armed conflict, international criminal law, international human rights law, cyber law, and the law governing military activities in space, among others. NATO began as a military alliance with an international political dimension, but over nearly 75 years since its formation, it has transformed into a political alliance with military applications. The strength of the alliance is in its political unity more than its military capability, and the legal foundations underlying this unity are vital to its perpetuation. Students will be graded on a Pass/Fail basis and will be assessed by way of a written assignment due after the end of the course.