CERL Affiliated Faculty Member William Burke-White was interviewed at an event at Perry World House about the legality of the strikes conducted by the United States against boats originating from Venezuela. Professor Burke-White shared that he believes the strikes were unlawful under both international and domestic law. This escalation of hostilities violates long-standing principles contained in the laws governing the resort to force and conduct once force is initiated, he explains. Despite this apparent breach of international law, Professor Burke-White believes it is unlikely for the international legal system to impose any substantive penalty on the U.S. government.   

William Burke-White is a Richard Perry Professor at Perry World House as well as a Professor of Law at Penn Carey Law. He is also a member of CERL’s Affiliated Faculty. Read his bio here. 

The views expressed here are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of any organization or university.