Event information

22 March 2023, 18:30-20:00
Register start 16 March 2023
Register end 21 March 2023

Downloads

Flyer >

Legal Challenges Facing NATO in the Wake of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Military Briefings

Ukrainian and NATO flags Ukrainian and NATO flags

The armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, raging for more than a year now, might arguably have both reinforced and transformed NATO: it refocused the alliance on its collective defence mission while exposing it to considerable challenges, especially in the legal field. From a jus ad bellum perspective, NATO is not a party to the Ukrainian conflict, however, some triggering conditions could be met and lead to the activation of article 5 of the Washington Treaty, in theory at least. As a military alliance, NATO is also preparing and planning for the potential of high-intensity conflict involving its members.

The possibility of such a scenario materializing – long deemed close to impossible – raises some sensitive jus in bello issues, old and new, such as the distinction between regular armed forces and private military companies, the protection of civilians in a large-scale urban conflict, the management of prisoners of war, as well as also the use of cyber and space in multi-domains operations. Other emerging challenges further complicate the legal landscape of the conflict, for a military alliance in particular: most notably disinformation and misinformation, which have the potential to open new ‘battlefields’. All these issues push NATO to its limits and generally question the contemporary role of military alliances, a context in which the law is often a source of answers as much as it is a source of further questions.

Speaker

In this Military Briefing, Colonel Nathalie Durhin, an officer of the French air force currently assigned within the NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), as the Head of the Operational Law Branch, will provide insights into how the Alliance approaches the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and addresses the many related legal challenges.

Cyprien Fluzin, Teaching Assistant at the Geneva Academy, will moderate the conversation with Colonel Nathalie Durhin.

About the Military Briefings

Military Briefings are a unique series of events relating to military institutions and the law. They aim to improve our students’ knowledge of military actors and operations and build bridges between the military and civilian worlds.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

News

The Jean-Pictet Competition: Learning Beyond the Classroom

10 December 2024

Each year, the Geneva Academy sends a team of students to the Jean-Pictet Competition. Participating in this leading moot court is a life-changing experience and an integral part of our programmes.

Read more

IHL in Focus Spot Report News

New Report on Food Insecurity in Armed Conflict, Highlighting the Impact of Siege-like Tactics

21 October 2024

The Geneva Academy has published the first spot report from the 'IHL in Focus' research project, ‘Food Insecurity in Armed Conflict and the Use of Siege-like Tactics.’

Read more

Warzone Event

Advanced IHL Seminar for Academics and Policymakers

25-29 August 2025, 09:00-17:30

Co-hosted with the ICRC, this event aims to enhance the capacity of academics to teach and research international humanitarian law, while also equipping policymakers with an in-depth understanding of ongoing legal debates.

Read more

Yemen,  Sana'a, Faj Attan district. Destruction. Short Course

The Rules Governing the Use of Force in International Law

9-17 April 2025

This online short course provides an overview of the content and evolution of the rules governing the use of unilateral force in international law, including military intervention on humanitarian grounds and the fight against international terrorism. It focuses on the practice of states and international organizations.

Read more

Afghanistan, Parwan detention facility. Inside a room where detainees of the prison, separated by an acrylic glass, are allowed to meet with their families a couple of times per year with the help of the ICRC employees who facilitate the programme. Short Course

Preventing and Combating Terrorism

24 April - 13 May 2025

This online short course discusses the extent to which states may limit and/or derogate from their international human rights obligations in order to prevent and counter-terrorism and thus protect persons under their jurisdiction.

Read more

Computer screen with warning: civilian infrastucture: do not attack Project

The Digitalization of Armed Conflict

Started in September 2020

This project will explore humanitarian consequences and protection needs caused by the digitalization of armed conflicts and the extent to which these needs are addressed by international law, especially international humanitarian law.

Read more

A destroyed camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Khor Abeche, South Darfur, Project

Understanding the Relationship between Conflict, Security and the Human Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment

Started in May 2023

This project will develop guidance to inform security, human rights and environmental debates on the linkages between environmental rights and conflict, and how their better management can serve as a tool in conflict prevention, resilience and early warning.

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2023

published on July 2024

Read more