| Abstract: | Controversies about the rule prohibiting the use of force havemainly focused on issues such as the conditions for self-defenceor the existence of a right to humanitarian intervention. Beyondthe question of the validity or relevance of each substantialargument, a comprehensive analysis of the doctrine reveals thatthe debate is actually more about methodology than substance.Hence, those who stand for an enlarged conception of the rightto self-defence or who support a right of humanitarian interventiontend to adopt a particularly loose method in defining the contentof the customary rule. |
