Examining the laws of war and the necessity of evolving legal principles to counter terrorism

The purpose of this thesis is to highlight the dilemma surrounding the quest for an internationally binding legal solution to countering terrorism. It examines the evolution of international laws of war and the definition of terrorism, and the shortcomings of these laws and principles in the classification and adjudication of acts of international terrorism. In doing so, it examines the applicable treaties on the laws of war, including the Geneva Conventions of 1949, various multilateral and regional treaties, and various domestic laws. Recommendations include a proposed definition of terrorism for use in the revision of international laws and a proposed course of action for the design, implementation, and enforcement of a comprehensive, multilateral treaty to counter terrorism within the framework of the United Nations and the International Criminal Court