Siege Warfare and the Legal Threshold of Starvation in International and Non-International Armed Conflicts
Keywords:
Siege Warfare, Starvation, International Humanitarian Law, Objects Indispensable to Survival, Multi-Factor Cumulative Deprivation, Dual-Use InfrastructureAbstract
This study discusses the legal development and modern issues relating to starvation as a warfare technique in both international and non-international armed conflicts. The transition from permissive principles towards a narrowed approach represents a substantive shift in the law. However, current legal doctrine has a serious blind spot regarding the destruction of civilian infrastructure. This research cumulatively identifies the annihilation of civilian systems indirectly and in a pattern-based manner, as opposed to single attacks. To fill this gap, we suggest a Multi-Factor Cumulative Deprivation (MFCD) Framework, which incorporates six indicators of operation, from encirclement and OIS targeting, to arbitrary deprivation of humanitarian relief. This framework fills the gap between dogmatic and pragmatic contentions using real-time empirical data from digital open-source inquiries and satellite authentication. The spread of cyber activity and ecocide also creates a new source of legal turbulence making it difficult to determine the intention of the actor and proportionality. Lastly, contemporary sieges can only remain legitimate in a military strategy when reverberating impacts of cumulative courses are taken into account. Using the MFCD Framework, we move beyond abstract legal theory to provide a practical tool to trace the systematic decimation of civilian life, ensuring accountability.
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