The Basics of international law
What is international Law
A set of rules and principles that govern relations between states and other international actors.
What event launched the U.S. War on Terror?
The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Which government agency conducted the surveillance programs revealed by Snowden?
The National Security Agency (NSA).
What does the Latin phrase jus ad bellum mean?
"Right to war."
In what city did Edward Snowden meet Laura Poitras and Glenn Greenwald in Citizenfour?
Hong Kong
According to “A Brief History of International Law,” when did modern international law begin to develop?
After the Peace of Westphalia (1648).
What does jus ad bellum govern in international law?
The rules governing when states may legally resort to armed force.
In what year did Congress pass FISA?
1978
What legal document authorized the U.S. government's use of military force after the September 11 attacks?
The 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF)
What unexpected event interrupted Snowden and the journalists during their hotel meetings in Citizenfour?
A fire alarm/fire drill
According to Bellinger, what makes Russia’s invasion illegal under international law?
It was not self-defense or UN-approved.
What ethical principle requires that military force not be excessive relative to the objective?
Proportionality.
What court was created by FISA to approve surveillance warrants related to national security?
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC)
What constitutional remedy allows detainees to challenge the legality of their imprisonment?
Habeas corpus
What newspaper did Glenn Greenwald work for when he helped publish Snowden's leaks?
The Guardian
What legal concept protects Ukraine’s territorial integrity?
Sovereignty and territorial integrity principles.
What reform does the "Overkill" article suggest regarding the AUMF?
Replacing or narrowing it to better reflect current threats.
What is the purpose of habeas corpus?
To allow individuals to challenge the legality of their detention
What agreement is commonly associated with the development of modern state sovereignty and international law?
The Peace of Westphalia (1648)
What detention facility was featured in The Mauritanian?
Guantanamo Bay
What is a key argument for why international law “works” even without enforcement?
States voluntarily comply because it serves their interests.
According to jus ad bellum, can a state legally use force whenever it believes doing so serves its national interests?
No. Force is generally prohibited except in self-defense or when authorized by the UN Security Council.
What central debate connects Citizenfour, the Patriot Act, and post-9/11 surveillance policies?
How to balance national security and individual civil liberties
According to John Cassidy, why is Edward Snowden considered a hero by some?
He exposed secret government surveillance programs and informed the public about activities that officials preferred to keep hidden
What international organization is headquartered in New York City and is responsible for maintaining international peace and security?
The United Nations