UCL Panel on ‘The Future of Warfare: Law, AI Targeting, and Gaza’ – A Reflection

The Nomos Centre for Future Warfare (NCFW) recently had the distinct privilege of participating in a stimulating and intellectually enriching discussion at the UCL panel titled ‘The Future of Warfare: Law, AI Targeting, and Gaza'.

This event on 11th February 2025, adeptly moderated by Dr. Behar Sadriu, Assistant Professor of International Relations at UCL, served as a critical platform for dissecting the intricate nexus of technology, law, and the evolving landscape of warfare.

Khalil Dewan, PhD Nomos Fellow opening the UCL Panel

Our PhD Nomos Fellow in Law, Khalil Dewan, inaugurated the panel with a compelling presentation that traced the historical evolution of targeted killing practices employed for drone warfare by Western nation-states. Dewan's analysis illuminated the profound impact of artificial intelligence on contemporary military strategies and legal frameworks. Employing a critical legal lens complemented by decolonial perspectives, he meticulously examined the intricacies of Israel's AI-enhanced targeting capabilities, prompting a deeper inquiry into the ethical and legal ramifications of such technologies in modern conflict.

Following Dewan's contribution, Marwa Wasfy, a distinguished academic affiliated with both University College London (UCL) and King's College London, engaged the audience with a thorough exploration of the complexities surrounding urban warfare, using Gaza as a poignant case study. Her analysis not only highlighted the humanitarian crises engendered by warfare in densely populated areas but also scrutinized the strategic dilemmas faced by military actors operating within such environments. Wasfy's presentation underscored the urgent need for a re-evaluation of military tactics in light of international humanitarian law and the protection of civilian lives.

Marwa Wasfy, Academic at KCL/UCL presenting on urban warfare

Concluding the panel, Hakan Camuz, Chairman of the Nomos Foundation and Nomos Centre for Future Warfare (NCFW) provided invaluable practitioner insights into the application of international law in real-world contexts. Drawing from his extensive experience in accountability mechanisms for war crimes, Camuz shared critical reflections on his work related to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the advancement of universal jurisdiction as a means of pursuing justice in the face of warfare. His poignant examples, including cases pertaining to Syria, the Gaza Flotilla Raid by Israel, and the ongoing conflict in Yemen, underscored the pressing challenges and complexities inherent in seeking accountability for war crimes.

Hakan Camuz, Chairman at Nomos Foundation and NCFW presenting on international law in practice

The dialogue was further enriched by the active participation of an engaged audience, comprising UCL students, members of the public, and journalists, whose insightful inquiries added significant depth to the discourse. This interdisciplinary exchange not only fostered a collaborative academic environment but also aligned seamlessly with the Nomos Foundation's commitment to advancing emerging scholarship in the field of warfare studies. The NCFW eagerly anticipates future public education initiatives and academic engagements that will continue to illuminate these critical issues.