TY - JOUR
T1 - Nanotechnology and challenges to international humanitarian law
T2 - A preliminary legal assessment
AU - Nasu, Hitoshi
PY - 2013/6
Y1 - 2013/6
N2 - The introduction of nanotechnology into our civil life and warfare is expected to influence the application and interpretation of the existing rules of international humanitarian law. This article examines the challenges posed to international humanitarian law by the widespread use of nanotechnology in light of four basic rules of international humanitarian law: (1) the obligation to ensure the legality of weapons; (2) distinction; (3) proportionality; and (4) precaution. It concludes by identifying three areas of concern, which arise from widespread use of nanotechnology, for the application of international humanitarian law.
AB - The introduction of nanotechnology into our civil life and warfare is expected to influence the application and interpretation of the existing rules of international humanitarian law. This article examines the challenges posed to international humanitarian law by the widespread use of nanotechnology in light of four basic rules of international humanitarian law: (1) the obligation to ensure the legality of weapons; (2) distinction; (3) proportionality; and (4) precaution. It concludes by identifying three areas of concern, which arise from widespread use of nanotechnology, for the application of international humanitarian law.
KW - environmental protection
KW - nanotechnology
KW - precaution
KW - proportionality
KW - superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering
KW - the principle of distinction
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84880501950&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1017/S181638311200077X
DO - 10.1017/S181638311200077X
M3 - Article
SN - 1816-3831
VL - 94
SP - 653
EP - 672
JO - International Review of the Red Cross
JF - International Review of the Red Cross
IS - 886
ER -