PROHIBITION OF MEANS AND METHODS

OF WAR

WH AT IS WAR?
War is a state of armed conflict
between two or more nations, states,
groups. It is often characterized by
the use of military force, such as
combat, bombing, or artillery
shelling, with the objective of
defeating the enemy or achieving
specific political or territorial goals.
The prohibition of certain means and methods
of warfare is an important principle of
international humanitarian law, also known as
the law of armed conflict. This principle
prohibits the use of weapons and tactics that
are likely to cause unnecessary suffering, and
aims to limit the effect of armed conflict and
protect civilians and combatants who are no
longer taking part in hostilities.
METHODS OF WAR

Methods of war are the various tactics and

strategies used be military forces to achieve
their objective in armed conflicts. These
methods can range from direct combat to
sabotage, intelligence gathering and
propaganda.
 Some common methods of warfare includes :
Direct Combat : Also known
as conventional warfare, is a
type of warfare in which
military forces engage in direct
physical combat with enemy
forces. This can involve ground
troops, naval forces or aerial
combat.
In direct Combat warfare, military forces typically use a
variety of weapons and tactics to engage the enemy, including
firearms, artillery, tanks, missiles and other military hardware.
The objective is to defeat the enemy’s military forces and
achieve specific political and territorial goals.
2. Guerilla Warfare : Guerilla
warfare is a type of
unconventional warfare in which
small groups of combatants use
tactics such as ambushes, raids hit-
and-run attacks to harass and
disrupt the operation of a larger
and more conventional military
force.
Guerilla warfare often used by groups that lack the resources,
manpower and firepower to engage in conventional warfare. It
is characterized by its mobility, flexibility and ability to adapt to
changing circumstances. Guerilla fighters often operate in
remote and difficult areas, such as mountains, forests or urban
areas, where they can use their knowledge of the area to their
advantage.
3. Cyber Warfare : Cyber
warfare is a type of warfare,
that involves the use of
computer technology to
disrupt, damage, or destroy an
enemy’s computer system,
networks and information
infrastructure. It can include
both offensive and defensive
actions.warfare can take many forms, including hacking,
Cyber
phishing, viruses, denial-of-service attacks and other types of
cyber attacks. The goal of cyber warfare is to gain a strategic
advantage over the enemy by disrupting their ability to
communicate, gather intelligence and carry out military
operations.
4. Propaganda : Propaganda
warfare, also known as
psychological warfare or
information warfare, is a type
of warfare that involves the use
of communication and media
to influence people’s beliefs,
attitudes and behaviors.

The goal of propaganda warfare is to shape the opinions and actions

of the enemy, neutral parties and ones own population in order to
achieve military and political objectives.
in propaganda warfare, the information disseminated may be true or
false, and it may be presented in a way that is misleading or biased.
Propaganda warfare can take many forms, including the use of mass
media, social media, public speeches, posters and other types of
communication. It is often used in times of conflict, such as during
war or political elections.
5. Intelligence gathering : intelligence gathering warfare is a
form of covert activity conducted by governments or other
organizations to gather information about their enemies,
competitors, or other countries.
The goal of intelligence gathering is to gain strategic
advantages, project national security and make informed
decisions about military, economic and political actions.

Intelligence gathering warfare can take many forms, including

 Human intelligence (HUMINT) : use of human sources
such as spies, agents.
 Signal intelligence (SIGINT) : intercepting and analyzing
electronic communications such as phone calls, radio
signals.
 Imagery intelligent (IMINT): involves analyzing
imagery such as satellite photos.
 Open source intelligence (OSINT) : gathering
information from publicly available sources such as,
newspaper, magazines and social media.
6. Siege Warfare : Siege
warfare is a military strategy
in which an attacking force
surrounds and isolates a
fortified position, such as a
city or castle, with the aim of
forcing the defenders to
surrender or weaken their
defenses to the point where
they can be easily overcome.

During a Siege, the attacking force may use a variety of tactics

to weaken the defenders, such as cutting off their supplies
lines, bombarding the fortifications with artillery fire, digging
tunnels to undermine the walls or gates.
7. Chemical and Biological war :
Chemical and Biological warfare
are two types of warfare that
involves the use of chemical or
biological agents to harm or kill
people, animals or plants. These
types of warfare are considered to
be particularly heinous because
they target not only combatants,
but also civilians and the
environment.
Chemical warfare involves the use of chemicals such as nerve
agents, blister agents and choking agents to harm people. This
chemicals can be dispersed in the air, water or food supply or
applied directly to people or surfaces.
Biological warfare involves the use of living organisms such
as bacteria, viruses and toxins to harm people.

Chemical and Biological warfare are both considered to be

weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs). Chemical and
Biological and warfare are prohibited under international
law.
8. Naval warfare : This is a type of warfare that takes place
at sea, often involving ships submarines. Naval warfare
include battles between ships, as well as amphibious
operations and air strikes on land targets.

In naval warfare, ships and aircrafts are used to control the

seas and project power over enemy forces. Naval warfare also
includes the use of naval mines, underwater explosive devices
designed to damage or sink enemy ships.
 PROHIBITED MEANS OF WARFARE

International humanitarian law prohibits the use of certain

means of warfare in armed conflicts. These include :

1) Chemical weapons : Chemical weapons are designed to

cause death or injury through the use of toxic chemicals,
such as nerve gas, mustard gas and chlorine gas. These
weapons are prohibited under The Chemical Weapons
Convention of 1993.
2) Biological weapons : Biological weapons are designed to
spread disease or other harmful organisms, such as
bacteria, viruses to harm people. The use of biological
weapons is prohibited under The Biological Weapons
Convention of 1972.
3) Nuclear weapons : The use of nuclear weapons is
considered a violation of international law, as they cause
massive destruction and loss of life and have long-lasting
environmental effects. They are prohibited under The Treaty
on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons 2017. For instance
nuclear attack on japan during WWII.

4) Incendiary weapons : These are weapons that are

designed to start fires, such as napalm or white phosphorus.
They are prohibited from use against civilian populations
and military targets located in populated areas. Incendiary
weapons are prohibited under Protocol III to the
Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons 1983.
5) Dum-Dum bullets : These are bullets that are designed to
expand or flatten upon impact, causing greater injury and
suffering. They are prohibited under The Hague Convention
of 1899.
6) Land mines : Land mines are explosives devices that are
placed in the ground to injure or kill people or damage
vehicles. They can remain active for many years after a
conflict ends and pose a danger to civilians. Their use is
prohibited under The Ottawa Treaty of 1997.

7) Clusters munitions : These are explosive devices that are

designed to release smaller bombs or explosives over a wide
area. They can remain active for many years after a conflict
ends and pose a danger to civilians. Their use is prohibited
under The Convention on Cluster Munitions of 2008.
Overall, the use of prohibited means of
warfare is considered to be a serious violation
of international law, and those who engage in
such activities can be held accountable for war
crimes or crimes against humanity. Efforts to
prevent the use of these weapons and hold
those who use them accountable are a crucial
aspect of international diplomacy and security.