Die völkerrechtliche Zulässigkeit von Selbstverteidigung gegen nicht-staatliche Akteure

This thesis critically analyses the highly topical and controversial issue of a state's recourse to the right of self-defence, according to Article 51 of the UN Charter, in cases of attacks by non-state actors, a problem that has gained further relevance in the fight against the so-called Islamic State. Indeed, non-state actors - who are often financially strong, technologically well-equipped and highly organised - attack states in ways that previously only nation states were capable of. Here, the author critically evaluates this topic through norm interpretation, analysis of relevant state practices and previous academic thinking to illustrate how this seminal topic has impacted on the foundations of public international law.