Abstract

This paper is Part II in a two-part series, and continues the investigation into the history of armed conflict and its influence on the development of the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC). Part I considered the early history of armed conflict and its implications on the development of the LOAC. The historical events leading up to The Hague Peace Conference of 1907 has shown that the development of armed conflict is closely linked to scientific, military and industrial technology. Part II considers the development of armed conflict during the subsequent time period from 1907 to the present day. The paper concludes with some prognostic observations. Thus, the developments in the LOAC reflect an attempt to regulate specific weapons that have developed as a result of technological advancements. Fifth-generation warfare will see new dimensions and perspectives regarding the options available to military and political commanders and will be decidedly influenced by information dominance through sustained cyber technologies and military force.