The Law of War with Judge James Baker (Part 1)

It’s the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II. And in just 3 weeks, Putin’s playbook has proven to grossly violate international law. This week, host Elisa is joined by Judge James Baker to breakdown the laws and treaties that apply to Russia and this conflict. Which international agreements are at play, and which have been violated? And as this conflict escalates, what options are on the table for NATO member states?

Hon. James E Baker is the Director of the Institute of Security Policy and Law at Syracuse University

References

The Geneva Conventions

The North Atlantic Treaty, Articles 5 & 11

The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court

United Nations General Assembly, Article 18:

National Security Act of 1947

James E. Baker, “Obedience to Orders, Lawful Orders, and the Military’s Constitutional Compact.” Just Security. November 2, 2020

“Biden call Putin a war criminal.” NPR. March 16, 2022

“U.S must harden its cybersecurity defenses, experts say.” ABA Press and ABA Standing Committee on Law and National Security. Feb. 2022

"Statement of ABA President Reginald Turner Re: Invasion of Ukraine.” ABA. March 2, 2022

In addition, listen to Judge James Baker's episode on the ABA Law Student Podcast as he scrutinizes Russia's aggression in Ukraine through the lens of international law.