Show Notes
In this episode, we reflect on how Dharmic traditions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, engaged with principles of humanity in warfare long before the codification of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) with the Geneva Conventions. Joined by Dr. Robert Heinsch, Dr. Raj Balkaran, and Dr. Christina Kilby, we consider key IHL concepts such as collateral damage and proportionality, while reflecting on what ancient philosophies, theologies and laws can teach us about ethical warfare today. By reflecting on various historical roots and traditions of humanitarian principles, the episode seeks to encourage engagement with the evolution and applications of the laws of armed conflict. What role do the principles of humanity, distinction and proportionality play in the law of armed conflict? How does the element of storytelling in the Sanskrit epics contribute to the dissemination of ethical values? How has religion influenced International Humanitarian Law, specifically the implementation of humanitarian principles? Guests: Dr. Robert Heinsch, Associate Professor in International Law at Leiden University Dr. Raj Balkaran, Scholar of Sanskrit Narrative Literature, Public Intellectual, Online Educator Dr. Christina Kilby, Associate Professor of Religion at James Madison University
Editors: Host - Dr Carl Lewis, Researcher in Public International Law, TMC Asser Institute Co-host - Wamika Sachdev, Intern, Asser Institute Flora Bensadon, Intern, Asser Institute
More from JurisDictions: International law podcast
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In this episode, Flora Bensadon and Irem Cakmak are joined by Zoe Bantleman, Dr Kris van der Pas and Dr Annick Pijnenburg to discuss the externalisation of migration. What is meant by the externalisation of migration? What legal, political and moral considerations does it raise? And to what extent may contemporary externalisation efforts be seen as a wider pushback against international law?
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For the first time in history, a dedicated tribunal is being established to investigate and prosecute the crime of aggression. Join us in this episode, as Dr Gabrielė Chlevickaitė, International Criminal Law researcher at the Asser Institute, interviews H.E. Dr Anton Korynevych, Ambassador -at-large in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, on establishing the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. Should you wish to read more, the Asser Institute has also released a Report on the Special Tribunal, offering the first legal analysis of the 'Council of Europe model,' as well as broader legal and policy considerations.