This event is organised by the Changing Character of War Programme (CCW), which is devoted to the interdisciplinary study of war and armed conflict and is based in Pembroke College.

In light of the conviction of Sergeant A. Blackman (2013) and the investigation of an SAS non-commissioned officer Colin Maclachlan (October 2016) for an alleged ‘mercy killing’ in Iraq, this study day explores the morally-ambiguous battlefield. The law is clear that ‘mercy killing’ is not a recognised concept, alt-hough ‘diminished responsibility’ is well-established. The armed forces of the United Kingdom and other Western countries are also clear that the Law of Armed Conflict and the Geneva Con-ventions apply to all situations of com-bat. Yet the moral ambiguity of the battlefield, an extreme arena, reappears through time. Can this contradiction be-tween the law and the soldier’s experi-ence be resolved?

Speakers

• Prof. Sir Adam Roberts (Oxford) 

• Prof. Nigel Biggar (Oxford),

• John Bellinger (former Legal Adviser for the U.S. Department of State and the National Security Council)

• Prof. Allyson Macvean (Bath Spa)

• Dr Esther Reed (Exeter)

• Dr Rod Bailey (Oxford)

The study day will take place at Pembroke College on 15th February, 11am - 5pm It is open to all, but registration is required.

Please email info@ccw.ox.ac.uk to confirm attendance, including ‘Morality and Modern Warfare’ in the subject line.

There is no charge for attendees at this event, but please note that lunch is not provided (although it can be purchased on from the on-site café during the break).