Michael Schmitt G. Norman Lieber Distinguished Scholar michael.schmitt@westpoint.edu Biography Professor Michael N. Schmitt is the G. Norman Lieber Distinguished Scholar at West Point’s Lieber Institute. He is also Professor of Public International Law at the University of Reading (UK) and Professor Emeritus and Charles H. Stockton Distinguished Scholar-in-Residence at the United States Naval War College. He was previously Chairman of the Naval War College’s Stockton Center for International Law and Dean of the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Germany. Professor Schmitt served 20 years in the United States Air Force as a judge advocate, including deployments with Operations Northern Watch and Provide Comfort, and was on the US Air Force Academy and US Naval War College faculties. In 1996 he graduated first-in-class from the Naval War College. He currently sits on many professional and editorial boards in the field of international law. Among his honors, Professor Schmitt has been awarded the Cross of Terra Mariana by the President of Estonia and the Serge Lazareff Prize by NATO’s Allied Command Operations. Publications & Presentations 2024 Annotated Supplement to the Commander’s Handbook on the Law of Naval Operations (U.S. Naval War College 2024) (with James Kraska and Raul Pedrozo). Retaliation, Retribution, and Punishment and International Law, Articles of War (April 18, 2024).Common Article 1 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, Articles of War (April 12, 2024) (with Sean Watts). Attacking the Quds Force and Affiliated Groups Under the Jus Ad Bellum, Articles of War (February 5, 2024). The Influence of Weaponry on the Jus ad Bellum, Articles of War (January 29, 2024). International Humanitarian Law at Risk, Articles of War (January 11, 2024). Retaliatory Warfare and International Humanitarian Law, Articles of War (January 2, 2024).2023Big Data: International Law Issues During Armed Conflict, in Big Data and Armed Conflict: Legal Issues Above and Below the Armed Conflict Threshold 151-178 (Laura Dickinson and Edward Berg eds., Oxford University Press, 2023). Big Data: International Law Issues Below the Armed Conflict Threshold, in Big Data and Armed Conflict: Legal Issues Above and Below the Armed Conflict Threshold 1-54 (Laura Dickinson and Edward Berg eds., Oxford University Press, 2023).Protecting the Environment in Armed Conflict, 105 International Review of the Red Cross 1267-1292 (2023) (with W. Casey Biggerstaff). Prisoner of War Status and Nationals of a Detaining Power, 100 International Law Studies 513-40 (2023) (with W. Casey Biggerstaff). The Legal Protection of Hospitals During Armed Conflict, Articles of War (December 29, 2023). Attacking Hamas – Part II, The Rules, Articles of War (December 7, 2023). Attacking Hamas – Part I, The Context, Articles of War (December 6, 2023). What is and is not Human Shielding?, Articles of War (November 3, 2023). The IDF, Hamas, and the Duty to Warn, Articles of War (October 27, 2023). The Evacuation of Northern Gaza: Practical and Legal Aspects, Articles of War (October 15, 2023). Hostage-Taking and the Law of Armed Conflict, Articles of War (October 11, 2023) (with Kevin Coble and John Tramazzo). The Legal Context of Operations Al-Aqsa Flood and Swords of Iron, Articles of War (October 10, 2023). The Evolving Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict – An International Law Perspective, Part II, Articles of War (September 29, 2023) (with Kevin Coble). The Evolving Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict – An International Law Perspective, Part I, Articles of War (September 27, 2023) (with Kevin Coble). United States Transfers Depleted Uranium Rounds to Ukraine: the Legal Issues, Articles of War (September 18, 2023) (with Kevin Coble). Military Aid to Russia and International Law, Articles of War (September 12, 2023). Prisoner of War Status and Nationals of the Detaining Power, Articles of War (September 5, 2023). Territorial Acquisition and Armed Conflict, Articles of War (August 29, 2023). A Legal Assessment of North Korean Missile Tests, Articles of War (August 11, 2023) (with John Tramazzo). Handling Uncertainty in the Law of Attack, Articles of War (August 2, 2023). Was Russia at War with the Wagner Group?, Articles of War (June 26, 2023).Aid and Assistance as a “Use of Force” Under the Jus ad Bellum, 100 International Law Studies 186-228 (2023) (with W. Casey Biggerstaff).The Regular Armed Forces, Uniforms, and Prisoner of War Status, in Prisoners of War in Contemporary Conflict 51-80 (Michael N. Schmitt & Christopher Koschnitzky, eds. Oxford University Press, 2023) (with Christopher Koschnitsky).The Expert Panel’s Review of Amnesty International’s Allegations of Ukrainian IHL Violations, Articles of War (May 1, 2023)The Wagner Group’s “No Quarter” Order and International Law, Articles of War (April 26, 2023) (with John Tramazzo).Reflections on the DoD General Counsel’s Cyber Law Address, Articles of War (April 19, 2023).Are States Aiding and Assisting Ukraine and Russia Using Force?, Articles of War (April 7, 2023) (with William Biggerstaff).The Russian Intercept of the U.S. Reaper and International Law, Just Security (March 15, 2023).Prisoners of War in Contemporary Conflict (Michael Schmitt and Christopher Koschnitzky eds., Oxford University Press, 2023).International Humanitarian Law and the Conduct of Cyber Hostilities: Quo Vadis, 14 Journal of International Humanitarian Legal Studies 189-221 (2023).Reprisals in International Humanitarian Law, Articles of War (March 6, 2023).Does International Law Still Matter in Ukraine?, Articles of War (January 3, 2023).2022Classification of the Conflict(s), Articles of War (December 14, 2022).Using Cellphones to Gather and Transmit Information – A Postscript, Articles of War (November 4, 2022).Are Civilians Reporting with Cell Phones Directly Participating in Hostilities, Articles of War (November 2, 2022) (with William Biggerstaff).Dirty Bombs and International Law, Articles of War (October 26, 2022).Attacking Power Infrastructure under International Humanitarian Law, Articles of War (October 20, 2022).The Kerch Strait Bridge Attack, Retaliation, and International Law, Articles of War (October 12, 2022) (with Marko Milanovic).Michael Schmitt, The Law of Cyber Conflict: Quo Vadis 2.0?, in The Future Law of Armed Conflict 103-121 (Matthew Waxman and Thomas Oakley eds., Oxford University Press, 2022).Michael Schmitt, Protected Zones in International Humanitarian Law, Articles of War (August 24, 2022).Michael Schmitt, Amnesty International’s Allegations of Ukrainian IHL Violations, Articles of War (August 8, 2022).Michael Schmitt and William Biggerstaff, The al-Zawahiri Strike and the Law of Armed Conflict. Articles of War (August 5, 2022) (with William Biggerstaff).Michael Schmitt, Forced Civilian Labor in Occupied Territory. Articles of War (August 2, 2022).Michael Schmitt, The Evolution of Cyber Jus ad Bellum Thresholds. Articles of War (July 28, 2022).Michael Schmitt, The Law of Cyber Conflict: Quo Vadis? Articles of War (July 22, 2022).Michael Schmitt, Canada Takes on International Law in Cyberspace, EJIL:Talk! (July 14, 2022).Michael Schmitt, Déjà vu: International Landmine Law and the New U.S. Landmine Policy, Articles of War (June 27, 2022).Michael Schmitt, U.S. Offensive Cyber Operations in Support of Ukraine, Articles of War (June 6, 2022).Michael Schmitt, Negotiating an End to the Fighting, Articles of War (May 24, 2022).Michael Schmitt, Are We at War?, Articles of War (May 9, 2022).Michael Schmitt, Lieber Institute White Paper: Responding to Malicious or Hostile Actions Under International Law Articles of War (April 26, 2022).Michael Schmitt, Weaponizing Civilians: Human Shields in Ukraine, Articles of War (April 11, 2022).Michael Schmitt, Russian Booby-traps and the Ukraine Conflict, Articles of War (April 5, 2022).Michael Schmitt, Weaponizing Food, Articles of War (March 28, 2022).Michael Schmitt, Deportation of Ukrainian Citizens to Russia: The Legal Framework, Articles of War (March 24, 2022).Michael Schmitt, A No-Fly Zone Over Ukraine and International Law, Articles of War (March 18, 2022).Michael Schmitt, Providing Arms and Materiel to Ukraine: Neutrality, Co-belligerency, and the Use of Force, Articles of War (March 7, 2022).Michael Schmitt and Christopher Koschnitzky, Russian Troops Out of Uniform and Prisoner of War Status, Articles of War (March 4, 2022) (with Christopher Koschnitzky).Michael Schmitt, Russia’s “Special Military Operation” and the (Claimed) Right of Self-Defense, Articles of War (February 28, 2022).Michael Schmitt, NATO Response Options to Potential Russian Cyber Attacks: Understanding the Legal Framework, Just Security (February 24, 2022).Michael Schmitt, Attacking Dams – Part II: The 1977 Additional Protocols, Articles of War (Feb 2, 2022).Michael Schmitt, Attacking Dams – Part I: Customary International Law, Articles of War (January 31, 2022).Michael Schmitt, Embracing LOAC Pluralism, Articles of War (January 7, 2022).Michael Schmitt, Canada Takes on International Law in Cyberspace, EJIL:Talk! (July 14, 2022).Michael Schmitt, Déjà vu: International Landmine Law and the New U.S. Landmine Policy, Articles of War (June 27, 2022).Michael Schmitt, U.S. Offensive Cyber Operations in Support of Ukraine, Articles of War (June 6, 2022).Michael Schmitt, Negotiating an End to the Fighting, Articles of War (May 24, 2022).Michael Schmitt, Are We at War?, Articles of War (May 9, 2022).2021Michael Schmitt, Over-the-Horizon Operations – Part III: How May Force Be Used?, Articles of War (December 23, 2021).Michael Schmitt, Over-the-Horizon Operations – Part II: Where May Force Be Used?, Articles of War (December 20, 2021).Michael Schmitt, Over-the-Horizon Operations – Part I: When May Force Be Used?, Articles of War (December 16, 2021).Michael Schmitt and Durward Johnson, Responding to Proxy Cyber Operations under International Law, Cyber Defense Review (2021).Michael Schmitt, Assassination in the Law of War, Articles of War (October, 15, 2021).Michael Schmitt & Louise Arimatsu, The Plea of Necessity: An Oft Overlooked Response Option for Hostile Cyber Operations, International Law Studies (2021).Sean Watts & Michael Schmitt , Collective Cyber Countermeasures?, Harvard National Security Journal (2021).Michael Schmitt, Terminological Precision and International Cyber Law, Articles of War (July 29, 2021). Michael Schmitt, Turning Cuba’s Internet Back On: International Legal Options, Just Security (July 19, 2021).Michael Schmitt, Three International Law Rules for Responding Effectively to Hostile Cyber Operations, Just Security (July 13, 2021).Michael Schmitt, Targeting Dual-Use Structures: An Alternative Interpretation, Articles of War (June 28, 2021). Michael Schmitt, The Sixth United Nations GGE and International Law in Cyberspace, Just Security (June 10, 2021).Michael Schmitt, Legal Protection of the Media in Armed Conflict: Gaza, Articles of War (May 1, 2021).Michael Schmitt, Foreign Cyber Interference in Elections, International Law Studies (2021).Michael Schmitt, Cyber Security and International Law, in The Oxford Handbook on the International Law of Global Security (Robin Geiss and Nils Melzer eds., Oxford University Press, 2021).Michael Schmitt and Durward Johnson, Responding to Hostile Cyber Operations: The “In-Kind” Option, International Law Studies (2021).Michael Schmitt, Germany’s Positions on International Law in Cyberspace Part II: Use of Force and International Humanitarian Law, Just Security (March 10, 2021).Michael Schmitt, Germany’s Positions on International Law in Cyberspace Part I: General International Law, Just Security (March 9, 2021).Michael Schmitt, President Biden’s First Use of Force and International Law, Articles of War (March 1, 2021).Michael Schmitt, John Cherry and Kieran Tinkler, Avoiding Collateral Damage on the Battlefield, Just Security (Feb. 11, 2021). 2020Michael Schmitt, Autonomous Cyber Capabilities and the International Law of Sovereignty and Intervention, International Law Studies (2020).Michael Schmitt and Marko Milanovic, Cyber Attacks and Cyber (Mis)information Operations during a Pandemic, Journal of National Security Law and Policy (2020).Michael Schmitt and Sean Watts, Common Article 1 and the Duty to “Ensure Respect,” International Law Studies (2020).Michael Schmitt and Durward Johnson, The Duty to Investigate War Crimes, Articles of War (December 22, 2020).Michael Schmitt, Top Expert Backgrounder: Russia’s SolarWinds Operation and International Law, Just Security (Dec. 21, 2020).Michael Schmitt, Israel’s Cautious Perspective on International Law in Cyberspace: Part II (jus ad bellum and jus in bello), European Journal of International Law: Talk! (Dec. 17, 2020)Michael Schmitt, Israel’s Cautious Perspective on International Law in Cyberspace: Part I (Methodology and General International Law), European Journal of International Law: Talk! (Dec. 17, 2020)Michael Schmitt, New Zealand Pushes the Dialogue on International Cyber Law Forward, Just Security (Dec. 8, 2020).Michael Schmitt, Finland Sets Out Key Positions on International Cyber Law, Just Security (Oct. 27, 2020).Michael Schmitt, Foreign Cyber Interference in Elections: An International Law Primer, Part III (duties and responses), European Journal of International Law: Talk! (Oct. 19, 2020).Michael Schmitt, Foreign Cyber Interference in Elections: An International Law Primer, Part II (sovereignty and human rights), European Journal of International Law: Talk! (Oct. 16, 2020).Michael Schmitt, Foreign Cyber Interference in Elections: An International Law Primer, Part I (attribution & intervention), European Journal of International Law: Talk! (Oct. 16, 2020).Michael Schmitt, Noteworthy Releases of International Cyber Law Positions – Part II: Iran, Articles of War (August 27, 2020).Michael Schmitt, Noteworthy Releases of International Cyber Law Positions – Part I: NATO, Articles of War (August 27, 2020).Michael Schmitt, Cyber Operations against Vaccine R & D: Key International Law Prohibitions and Obligations, European Journal of International Law: Talk! (August 8, 2020).Michael Schmitt, Targeting Non-State “Mixed Groups”, Articles of War (August 5, 2020).Michael Schmitt and Hitoshi Nasu, A Threat or A Warning: Russia’s Weapons Testing in Space, Just Security (July 31, 2020).Michael Schmitt, Taming the Lawless Void: Tracking the Evolution of International Law Rules for Cyberspace, Texas National Security Review (2020).Michael Schmitt and Yuval Shany, An International Attribution Mechanism for Hostile Cyber Operations, 96 International Law Studies (2020).Michael Schmitt, International Humanitarian Law and the Targeting of Non-State Intelligence Personnel and Objects, 31 Duke Journal of International and Comparative Law (2020).Michael Schmitt, International Humanitarian Law and the Conduct of Hostilities, in The Oxford Guide to International Humanitarian Law (Dapo Akande & Ben Saul eds., Oxford University Press, 2020).Michael Schmitt and Hitoshi Nasu, A Threat or A Warning: Russia’s Weapons Testing in Space, Just Security (July 31, 2020).Michael Schmitt, COVID-19 and International Law, Directions: Cyber Digital Europe (July 1, 2020).Michael Schmitt and Durward Johnson, Iranian Gunboat Harassment and the Rules of Engagement, Just Security (May 7, 2020).Michael Schmitt, The Defense Department’s Measured Take on International Law in Cyberspace, Just Security (March 11, 2020).Michael Schmitt and Kieran Tinkler, War in Space: How International Humanitarian Law Might Apply, Just Security (March 9, 2020).Michael Schmitt, Norm-Skepticism in Cyberspace? Counter-factual and Counterproductive, Just Security (Feb. 28, 2020).2019Michael Schmitt, NATO Collective Defense at 70: Confession and Response Revisited, 34 Emory International Law Review (2019).Michael Schmitt, Wired Warfare 3.0: Protecting the Civilian Population during Cyber Operations, 101(1) International Review of the Red Cross (2019).Michael Schmitt and Jeffrey Biller, Classification of Cyber Capabilities and Operations as Weapons, Means, or Methods of Warfare, 95 International Law Studies (2019).Michael Schmitt and Michael Schauss, Uncertainty in the Law of Targeting: Towards a Cognitive Framework, 10 Harvard National Security Journal (2019).Michael Schmitt, The Netherlands Releases a Tour de Force on International Law in Cyberspace, Just Security (Oct. 14, 2019)Michael Schmitt. France Speaks Out on IHL and Cyber Operations: Part II, European Journal of International Law: Talk! (Oct. 1, 2019)Michael Schmitt, France Speaks Out on IHL and Cyber Operations: Part I, European Journal of International Law: Talk! (Sept. 30, 2019)Michael Schmitt, France’s Major Statement on International Law and Cyber: An Assessment, Just Security (Sept. 16, 2019).Michael Schmitt, The U.N. Yemen Report and Siege Warfare, Just Security (Sept. 12, 2019) (with Kieran Tinkler and Durward Johnson).Michael Schmitt, Top Expert Backgrounder: Aborted U.S. Strike, Cyber Operation Against Iran and International Law, Just Security (June 24, 2019).Michael Schmitt, U.S. Cyber Command, Russia and Critical Infrastructure: What Norms and Laws Apply?, Just Security (June 18, 2019). Michael Schmitt, Estonia Speaks Out on Key Rules for Cyberspace, Just Security (June 10, 2019).