ABSTRACT

International law has bearing on many aspects of stability operations, including operations undertaken by naval forces. Indeed, freedom of movement on the high seas, a central advantage of naval expeditionary forces, is protected under international law. This chapter however, focuses on the more controversial aspects of naval support of stabilization endeavors: international law concerning the use of force and conduct of military operations. It explores stability operations involving the use of force, often in non-permissive environments. Although humanitarian assistance and peacekeeping are important forms of stability operations, forceful stability operations – encompassing coercive peace operations, counter-insurgency (COIN), and counter-terrorist operations – are most consequential in terms of the application of international law and America’s reputation in world politics.