The course, after having recalled the international rules on the use of force, will analyse the notion of ‘security’ as emerging from current international practice and the mechanisms -regulated by international law- aimed at preventing and managing armed conflicts and the other main threats to international security. A special emphasis will be given to the role played by the international organisations at universal and regional level, not limited to their statutory powers but including their implementing practice. The evolving roles of NATO and of the EU will be addressed too.
At the end of the course the participants will:
- understand the evolution of the scope of the notion of threat to peace and international security beyond the existence or the outbreak of an armed conflict, according to the stance of the international community;
- have a comprehensive picture of the role (actual or potential) of international organisations (both at universal and at regional level) involved in peace promotion and security issues;
- understand the interplay between the UN and regional organisations in protecting and promoting international peace and security.