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Law and the Future of War

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The face of war is changing. Contemporary and potential future conflicts involve new domains of warfare, irregular actors, novel capabilities and new tactics.

Advances in technology drive or facilitate much of this evolution in warfare. Law and the Future of War Research Group investigates the diverse ways in which law constrains, enables or ignores technological change in the context of national and global security. We focus particularly on the legal challenges posed by autonomous functions of military platforms, systems and weapons.

New Frontiers of Research Episode 2: Law and Future of War from UQ Law on Youtube.

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Events

Emerging Technologies and Domestic Military Law Workshop

30 September 2022 9:00am–5:00pm
 
in Conferences and workshops
The Law and Future of War Research Group at The University of Queensland is inviting abstracts on the topic of ‘Emerging Technologies and Domestic Military Law: Comparative Views on Principles, Policies and Practice’.
two military men walking down a hall of computer servers

WORKSHOP | Australian and New Zealand Society of International Law’s International Peace and Security Interest Group

12 May 2022 9:00am–13 May 2022 6:00pm
 
in Conferences and workshops
The 2022 edition of the IPSIG workshop invites ANZSIL members and legal practitioners to discuss the inextricable link between technology and national security, and to take stock of best practices in teaching and public engagement on international peace and security law issues.
A submarine rising out of the water.

Out of Our Depth? Operational, Political and Legal Implications of AUKUS

12 October 2021 12:00pm–1:00pm
 
in Featured events
Examining Australia's decision to build a fleet of nuclear submarines from an operational, political and legal perspective. Join us for a lunchtime discussion of AUKUS with a cross-disciplinary panel of experts.
View of UQ Brisbane city with a plaque on the stone pillar and people inside socialising.

UQ Law School Research Showcase

7 July 2021 5:00pm–6:00pm
 
in Featured events
Join us for a snapshot of the UQ Law research activities, with presentations and an opportunity to engage informally over refreshments.

Autonomous Weapon Systems and the Law of Armed Conflict: Compatibility with International Humanitarian Law

11 September 2020 3:00pm–4:00pm
 
in Research Seminar Series
This seminar will briefly outline the defining technical characteristics of autonomous weapon systems and the aspects of machine autonomy which underlie legal concerns.
Presented by Dr Tim McFarland (Research Fellow, UQ Law School, Law and the Future of War Research Group).
Disputed Territories and International Criminal Law: Israeli Settlements and the International Criminal Court

Online book launch - Disputed Territories and International Criminal Law: Israeli Settlements and the International Criminal Court

11 August 2020 4:00pm–5:00pm
 
in Featured events
Join author Dr Simon McKenzie (UQ Law School) and guest speaker, Professor Tim McCormack (University of Tasmania), in launching the book Disputed Territories and International Criminal Law: Israeli Settlements and the International Criminal Court.
US autonomous naval vessel

Autonomous naval vessels and international law

15 October 2019 5:30pm–6:30pm
 
in UQ Law, Science and Technology Seminar Series
Presented by Professor Rob McLaughlin, Professor of Military Security Law and Director of the Australian Centre for the Study of Armed Conflict and Society at UNSW Canberra, and Dr Simon McKenzie, Research Fellow, UQ School of Law.

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