Reves Center for International Studies Events
[PAST EVENT] International Humanitarian Law and the Rules of Engagement in Wartime
As the Russia-Ukraine War continues to ensue, Senior Legal Advisor Thomas Harper presents the legal framework of international humanitarian law and the rules of engagement during war to assess possible violations related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This event is by Zoom. This event is open only to William & Mary faculty, staff and students.
Thomas Harper serves as a Senior Legal Advisor in International Humanitarian Law for the American Red Cross. Thomas has spent his adult life in uniform, having originally enlisted in the Army Reserve while in high school. He later commissioned as an officer in the Army ROTC program at North Carolina State University. Following law school at the Campbell University School of Law, Thomas served on active duty as a Judge Advocate for more than 7 years before transitioning to the Army Reserve, where he currently holds the rank of Major. He has served in a variety of capacities, including as a prosecutor, a Special Victim Counsel, and as an Operational Law attorney in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Thomas writes and podcasts for The Legal Geeks, an American Bar Association Top 100 legal blog, where he uses Star Wars to teach about a wide variety of legal topics, including International Humanitarian Law. Thomas also co-hosts The Joint Geeks of Staff, a podcast featuring national security professionals who explore military and diplomatic lessons learned in science fiction. Thomas regularly shares his passion for the intersection between Star Wars and the IHL, having presented at San Diego Comic-Con, Star Wars Celebration (Disney’s official Star Wars convention), WonderCon, Dragon Con, and more.
Contact
International Law Society -- wmmaryils@gmail.com