Dr Chris O'Meara
@chrisomeara.bsky.social
Senior Lecturer in Law @ExeterLawSchool | FHEA | Solicitor | Public International Law | Jus ad Bellum | International Humanitarian Law
What limits does international law place on using force in self-defence in the cyber context? See my new ECIL Working Paper on how the customary international law requirements of necessity and proportionality apply to cyber operations: tinyurl.com/mrxhmszr
August 21, 2025 at 2:20 PM
What limits does international law place on using force in self-defence in the cyber context? See my new ECIL Working Paper on how the customary international law requirements of necessity and proportionality apply to cyber operations: tinyurl.com/mrxhmszr
Reposted by Dr Chris O'Meara
Missiles and Messages: Characterizing the Use of Force between Iran and Israel
opiniojuris.org/2025/07/25/m...
opiniojuris.org/2025/07/25/m...
Missiles and Messages: Characterizing the Use of Force between Iran and Israel
[Masoud Zamani is a lecturer in International Law and International Relations at the University of British Columbia, Canada. Amir Abbas Kiani is a collaborating researcher in Intern…
opiniojuris.org
July 27, 2025 at 7:05 AM
Missiles and Messages: Characterizing the Use of Force between Iran and Israel
opiniojuris.org/2025/07/25/m...
opiniojuris.org/2025/07/25/m...
“what we are witnessing today is not the failure of international law but rather the failure of international politics”. Discuss
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/jun...
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/jun...
Are we witnessing the death of international law?
The long read: A growing number of scholars and lawyers are losing faith in the current system. Others say the law is not to blame, but the states that are supposed to uphold it
www.theguardian.com
June 27, 2025 at 8:35 AM
“what we are witnessing today is not the failure of international law but rather the failure of international politics”. Discuss
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/jun...
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/jun...
Reposted by Dr Chris O'Meara
The WH letter to Congress on the Iran strikes — I’ll explain in a brief thread below what we can read into this of the Admin’s legal position on both domestic and international law.
Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate
Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) On the night of June 21, 2025, at my direction, United States forces conducted a precision strike
www.whitehouse.gov
June 23, 2025 at 11:28 PM
The WH letter to Congress on the Iran strikes — I’ll explain in a brief thread below what we can read into this of the Admin’s legal position on both domestic and international law.
Spot on again from Marko. Note to the UK gov: ‘Third states have a legal obligation to refrain from providing aid and assistance to unlawful uses of force.’
www.ejiltalk.org/the-illegal-...
www.ejiltalk.org/the-illegal-...
The Illegal Israeli-American Use of Force Against Iran: A Follow-Up
Yesterday, the United States joined Israel in its use of force against Iran by conducting a precision bombing operation targeting Iranian nuclear sites. Like Israel’s use of force before it, this use ...
www.ejiltalk.org
June 23, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Spot on again from Marko. Note to the UK gov: ‘Third states have a legal obligation to refrain from providing aid and assistance to unlawful uses of force.’
www.ejiltalk.org/the-illegal-...
www.ejiltalk.org/the-illegal-...
Is Israel’s Use of Force Against Iran Justified by Self-Defence? www.ejiltalk.org/is-israels-u... I broadly agree with Marko’s analysis and conclusion of unlawfulness. For more on ‘imminence’ and its relationship (conflation?) with necessity, my thoughts are here: doi.org/10.1080/2053...
Is Israel’s Use of Force Against Iran Justified by Self-Defence?
This morning, Israel launched a major military operation against Iran targeting its nuclear programme, including facilities, individual scientists and military leadership. In this post, I will provide...
www.ejiltalk.org
June 13, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Is Israel’s Use of Force Against Iran Justified by Self-Defence? www.ejiltalk.org/is-israels-u... I broadly agree with Marko’s analysis and conclusion of unlawfulness. For more on ‘imminence’ and its relationship (conflation?) with necessity, my thoughts are here: doi.org/10.1080/2053...
Reposted by Dr Chris O'Meara
❗️Come and join the Legal Division of the @ICRC!
✴️ Turn your vision for a better world, your belief in justice and humanity, in the protective power of the law, into #IHL advocacy.
careers.icrc.org/job/Geneva-%...
✴️ Turn your vision for a better world, your belief in justice and humanity, in the protective power of the law, into #IHL advocacy.
careers.icrc.org/job/Geneva-%...
Associate for the Legal Division
Associate for the Legal Division
careers.icrc.org
May 18, 2025 at 4:49 PM
❗️Come and join the Legal Division of the @ICRC!
✴️ Turn your vision for a better world, your belief in justice and humanity, in the protective power of the law, into #IHL advocacy.
careers.icrc.org/job/Geneva-%...
✴️ Turn your vision for a better world, your belief in justice and humanity, in the protective power of the law, into #IHL advocacy.
careers.icrc.org/job/Geneva-%...
Reposted by Dr Chris O'Meara
🚨 Thrilled to announce that my latest article, with the amazing Sarah Percy, has been published with International Affairs. Drawing on historical cases, we explore the role of timing in the legal regulation of battlefield weapons and practices.
academic.oup.com/ia/advance-a...
academic.oup.com/ia/advance-a...
A matter of time: the role of timing in regulating military weapons
What challenges and opportunities are presented when efforts are made to regulate or prohibit morally problematic battlefield weapons or practices ex ante—
academic.oup.com
April 16, 2025 at 7:23 AM
🚨 Thrilled to announce that my latest article, with the amazing Sarah Percy, has been published with International Affairs. Drawing on historical cases, we explore the role of timing in the legal regulation of battlefield weapons and practices.
academic.oup.com/ia/advance-a...
academic.oup.com/ia/advance-a...
Reposted by Dr Chris O'Meara
With #UN Working Group on Prevention of an Arms Race in #OuterSpace underway, @chrisomeara.bsky.social analyzes how jus ad bellum principles relate to use of space weapons in self-defense.
www.justsecurity.org/110248/secur...
www.justsecurity.org/110248/secur...
Balancing State Security and Peace and Security in Outer Space
Understanding jus ad bellum necessity and proportionality is crucial to addressing concerns regarding the weaponization of outer space.
www.justsecurity.org
April 11, 2025 at 11:53 AM
With #UN Working Group on Prevention of an Arms Race in #OuterSpace underway, @chrisomeara.bsky.social analyzes how jus ad bellum principles relate to use of space weapons in self-defense.
www.justsecurity.org/110248/secur...
www.justsecurity.org/110248/secur...
As the UN General Assembly’s new OEWG on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space holds its first substantive session this week, what role can existing international law play? Here's my take: www.justsecurity.org/110248/secur...
Balancing State Security and Peace and Security in Outer Space
Understanding jus ad bellum necessity and proportionality is crucial to addressing concerns regarding the weaponization of outer space.
www.justsecurity.org
April 11, 2025 at 2:49 PM
As the UN General Assembly’s new OEWG on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space holds its first substantive session this week, what role can existing international law play? Here's my take: www.justsecurity.org/110248/secur...
Reposted by Dr Chris O'Meara
ANZSIL registration is now open! @djag2.bsky.social and I are co-chairing the organising committee this year and we think it's going to be an awesome conference. The Conference theme is 'International Law: Silence, Forgetting and Remembrance'.
anzsil.org/event-6142429
anzsil.org/event-6142429
April 9, 2025 at 8:16 AM
ANZSIL registration is now open! @djag2.bsky.social and I are co-chairing the organising committee this year and we think it's going to be an awesome conference. The Conference theme is 'International Law: Silence, Forgetting and Remembrance'.
anzsil.org/event-6142429
anzsil.org/event-6142429
Reposted by Dr Chris O'Meara
Important.
Also, potentially interesting role of open source investigations
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/apr...
Also, potentially interesting role of open source investigations
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/apr...
Ten Britons accused of committing war crimes while fighting for Israel in Gaza
Exclusive: Met to be handed dossier of evidence alleging crimes including killings of civilians and aid workers
www.theguardian.com
April 7, 2025 at 5:41 AM
Important.
Also, potentially interesting role of open source investigations
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/apr...
Also, potentially interesting role of open source investigations
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/apr...
Reposted by Dr Chris O'Meara
Is the imposition of tariffs a form of economic coercion and an unlawful intervention in the domestic affairs of other states? Check out my recent book, pp. 170-186: shorturl.at/BvMsw #trump #tariffs #nonintervention
shorturl.at
April 3, 2025 at 7:06 AM
Is the imposition of tariffs a form of economic coercion and an unlawful intervention in the domestic affairs of other states? Check out my recent book, pp. 170-186: shorturl.at/BvMsw #trump #tariffs #nonintervention
How does the law limit self-defence in outer space? In my latest article for the Leiden Journal of International Law, I examine how international law on the use of force regulates the use of anti-satellite (#ASAT) weapons.
Link: doi.org/10.1017/S092...
Link: doi.org/10.1017/S092...
March 31, 2025 at 11:15 AM
How does the law limit self-defence in outer space? In my latest article for the Leiden Journal of International Law, I examine how international law on the use of force regulates the use of anti-satellite (#ASAT) weapons.
Link: doi.org/10.1017/S092...
Link: doi.org/10.1017/S092...
Reposted by Dr Chris O'Meara
War Above the Battlefield: Continued
Join us for part II of our online panel discussion exploring the resilience of Ukraine’s air defence & the challenges of Russia’s use of counterspace capabilities.
📅 4 April
⏲️ 15:30 – 16:30
📌 Zoom
Register 👇
www.kcl.ac.uk/events/war-a...
Join us for part II of our online panel discussion exploring the resilience of Ukraine’s air defence & the challenges of Russia’s use of counterspace capabilities.
📅 4 April
⏲️ 15:30 – 16:30
📌 Zoom
Register 👇
www.kcl.ac.uk/events/war-a...
March 19, 2025 at 10:24 AM
War Above the Battlefield: Continued
Join us for part II of our online panel discussion exploring the resilience of Ukraine’s air defence & the challenges of Russia’s use of counterspace capabilities.
📅 4 April
⏲️ 15:30 – 16:30
📌 Zoom
Register 👇
www.kcl.ac.uk/events/war-a...
Join us for part II of our online panel discussion exploring the resilience of Ukraine’s air defence & the challenges of Russia’s use of counterspace capabilities.
📅 4 April
⏲️ 15:30 – 16:30
📌 Zoom
Register 👇
www.kcl.ac.uk/events/war-a...
Reposted by Dr Chris O'Meara
Former 🇺🇸 ambassador to Russia 👇🏽
March 14, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Former 🇺🇸 ambassador to Russia 👇🏽
Reposted by Dr Chris O'Meara
AI is transforming the security landscape, influencing decision-making, risk assessment & strategic stability 🧭
In the #MiddleEast, these dynamics play a crucial role in discussions on establishing a Weapons of Mass Destruction-Free Zone 📜
Read more 📙 unidir.org/ZoneAI
In the #MiddleEast, these dynamics play a crucial role in discussions on establishing a Weapons of Mass Destruction-Free Zone 📜
Read more 📙 unidir.org/ZoneAI
March 11, 2025 at 3:50 PM
AI is transforming the security landscape, influencing decision-making, risk assessment & strategic stability 🧭
In the #MiddleEast, these dynamics play a crucial role in discussions on establishing a Weapons of Mass Destruction-Free Zone 📜
Read more 📙 unidir.org/ZoneAI
In the #MiddleEast, these dynamics play a crucial role in discussions on establishing a Weapons of Mass Destruction-Free Zone 📜
Read more 📙 unidir.org/ZoneAI
Space law fan? If so, check out the discussion with Dr Rishi Gulati of my paper on the right of self-defence in outer space (forthcoming, Leiden Journal of International Law):
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
soundcloud.com/law-office-8...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
soundcloud.com/law-office-8...
The exercise of self-defence in outer space | Dr Rishi Gulati with guest Dr Chris O'Meara
Podcast Episode · UEA Law School Podcast Series · 28/02/2025 · 49m
podcasts.apple.com
March 4, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Space law fan? If so, check out the discussion with Dr Rishi Gulati of my paper on the right of self-defence in outer space (forthcoming, Leiden Journal of International Law):
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
soundcloud.com/law-office-8...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
soundcloud.com/law-office-8...
Reposted by Dr Chris O'Meara
⏰TODAY⏰
Join us today for an online panel discussion exploring the resilience of Ukraine’s air defence & the challenges of Russia’s use of counterspace capabilities.
📅 28 Feb
⏲️15:00 GMT
Register now 👇
kcl.ac.uk/events/war-a...
Join us today for an online panel discussion exploring the resilience of Ukraine’s air defence & the challenges of Russia’s use of counterspace capabilities.
📅 28 Feb
⏲️15:00 GMT
Register now 👇
kcl.ac.uk/events/war-a...
February 28, 2025 at 8:34 AM
⏰TODAY⏰
Join us today for an online panel discussion exploring the resilience of Ukraine’s air defence & the challenges of Russia’s use of counterspace capabilities.
📅 28 Feb
⏲️15:00 GMT
Register now 👇
kcl.ac.uk/events/war-a...
Join us today for an online panel discussion exploring the resilience of Ukraine’s air defence & the challenges of Russia’s use of counterspace capabilities.
📅 28 Feb
⏲️15:00 GMT
Register now 👇
kcl.ac.uk/events/war-a...
Interested in military operations in outer space and space law? Sign up here if so! www.eventbrite.com/e/uk-launch-...
February 27, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Interested in military operations in outer space and space law? Sign up here if so! www.eventbrite.com/e/uk-launch-...
Reposted by Dr Chris O'Meara
Join Kubo Mačák @exeter.ac.uk @uniofexeterhass.bsky.social
UK launch Woomera Manual: International Law of Military Space Activities and Operations🚀
📅 Wednesday 12 March
📍 @rusi.bsky.social London
⏰16:00 doors 16:30–19:00 (panel & reception)
🎟 Register
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1254442604...
UK launch Woomera Manual: International Law of Military Space Activities and Operations🚀
📅 Wednesday 12 March
📍 @rusi.bsky.social London
⏰16:00 doors 16:30–19:00 (panel & reception)
🎟 Register
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1254442604...
UK Launch of the Woomera Manual
Join us for the UK launch of the Woomera Manual, a guide to the laws governing military activities in space.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
February 26, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Join Kubo Mačák @exeter.ac.uk @uniofexeterhass.bsky.social
UK launch Woomera Manual: International Law of Military Space Activities and Operations🚀
📅 Wednesday 12 March
📍 @rusi.bsky.social London
⏰16:00 doors 16:30–19:00 (panel & reception)
🎟 Register
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1254442604...
UK launch Woomera Manual: International Law of Military Space Activities and Operations🚀
📅 Wednesday 12 March
📍 @rusi.bsky.social London
⏰16:00 doors 16:30–19:00 (panel & reception)
🎟 Register
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1254442604...
Reposted by Dr Chris O'Meara
📖 Launched today – IHL in Focus: Annual Report.
Documenting and analysing compliance with IHL in some of the world’s most pressing conflicts, it sheds light on the well-documented crises dominating global headlines.
👉 Read more and download the report: www.geneva-academy.ch/news/detail/...
Documenting and analysing compliance with IHL in some of the world’s most pressing conflicts, it sheds light on the well-documented crises dominating global headlines.
👉 Read more and download the report: www.geneva-academy.ch/news/detail/...
IHL in Focus Annual Report: Assessing Compliance Across 22 Conflicts - The Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights
The IHL in Focus: Annual Report, which documents and analyses compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in some of the world’s most pressing conflicts, is now available.
www.geneva-academy.ch
February 26, 2025 at 10:42 AM
📖 Launched today – IHL in Focus: Annual Report.
Documenting and analysing compliance with IHL in some of the world’s most pressing conflicts, it sheds light on the well-documented crises dominating global headlines.
👉 Read more and download the report: www.geneva-academy.ch/news/detail/...
Documenting and analysing compliance with IHL in some of the world’s most pressing conflicts, it sheds light on the well-documented crises dominating global headlines.
👉 Read more and download the report: www.geneva-academy.ch/news/detail/...
Reposted by Dr Chris O'Meara
📢 We are pleased to invite you to the Annual Grotius Lecture 2025, where Judge Tomas Heidar will discuss the Advisory Opinion of #ITLOS on #ClimateChange: A Landmark Decision.
📅 27 March 2025 | 🕔 17:30-18:30 | 📍 BIICL, London
Find out more and register for free 👇
📅 27 March 2025 | 🕔 17:30-18:30 | 📍 BIICL, London
Find out more and register for free 👇
Annual Grotius Lecture 2025: The Advisory Opinion of ITLOS on Climate Change: A Landmark Decision
Thursday, 27 March 2025, British Institute of International and Comparative Law, Charles Clore House, 17 Russell Square, London WC1B 5JP
buff.ly
February 23, 2025 at 2:43 PM
📢 We are pleased to invite you to the Annual Grotius Lecture 2025, where Judge Tomas Heidar will discuss the Advisory Opinion of #ITLOS on #ClimateChange: A Landmark Decision.
📅 27 March 2025 | 🕔 17:30-18:30 | 📍 BIICL, London
Find out more and register for free 👇
📅 27 March 2025 | 🕔 17:30-18:30 | 📍 BIICL, London
Find out more and register for free 👇
Reposted by Dr Chris O'Meara
Most Ukrainian cities have not been destroyed.
Ukrainian law prohibits holding elections in wartime (unlike the US Constitution, which requires it).
isw.pub/UkraineFacts...
Ukrainian law prohibits holding elections in wartime (unlike the US Constitution, which requires it).
isw.pub/UkraineFacts...
February 21, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Most Ukrainian cities have not been destroyed.
Ukrainian law prohibits holding elections in wartime (unlike the US Constitution, which requires it).
isw.pub/UkraineFacts...
Ukrainian law prohibits holding elections in wartime (unlike the US Constitution, which requires it).
isw.pub/UkraineFacts...