IRRC No. 885

Editorial: Occupation

Reading time 2 min read
Download PDF
This article is also available in

Abstract
'Vae victis!' ('Woe to the vanquished!'). This exclamation by the Gaulish chieftain Brennus, dictating his terms after defeating ancient Rome,1 illustrates a historical reality: defeat on the battlefield has, over the centuries, entailed a series of misfortunes for the conquered peoples. Murder, rape, slavery, and plunder: conquest gave the victors absolute rights over people and their property, and it often meant the outright annexation of captured territories. 'To act as if one owns the place' is still a current expression that reflects the arbitrary actions of the conqueror – the principle that 'might makes right'.

Continue reading #IRRC No. 885

More about Occupation, Current debates on IHL

More from Vincent Bernard