Introduction to A Research Agenda for Military Law

This Research Agenda offers a comprehensive overview of international military law, focusing on how legal principles govern armed conflict and are influenced by evolving technologies and geopolitical realities. It has two main aims: to provide a concise overview of current legal frameworks (including jus ad bellum, international humanitarian law, and human rights law), and to explore grey areas and emerging challenges in interpretation and application. The structure comprises four parts: foundational legal concepts; strategic domains and technologies such as cyberspace, outer space, and AI; the interaction between overlapping legal regimes and the role of non-State actors; and concluding reflections on future research directions. Key methodological approaches include legal doctrinal analysis, systemic harmonization, and empirical research. This Research Agenda is the result of a collaborative effort among legal scholars and practitioners, primarily from the Law of Armed Conflict and Military Operations (LACMO) research programme within the Amsterdam Center for International Law. Although not a textbook, the work offers valuable insights for scholars and students interested in the future trajectory of military law in complex operational environments.