The main theme of this volume of theYearbook of International Humanitarian Law is weapons law. In several chapters, how International Humanitarian Law (IHL) copes with old and new weapons as well as political developments in regard to military technology is discussed, while in two chapters the significance of non- or less-lethal weapons in peace-keeping and law enforcement operations as well as the legality of lethal autonomous weapon systems under IHL are analysed. Moreover, the volume describes the current status of nuclear deterrence under international law. Another layer is added by examining how IHL influences the programming of automatic target recognition systems using artificial intelligence.

The second part of the book contains a historic perspective on the roots of IHL in Europe, which can be traced back to the ninth century, as well as a Year in Review describing the most important events and legal developments in the area of IHL that took place in 2018.

TheYearbook of International Humanitarian Law is the worlds only annual publication devoted to the study of the laws governing armed conflict. It provides a truly international forum for high-quality, peer-reviewed academic articles focusing on this crucial branch of international law. Distinguished by contemporary relevance, theYearbook of International Humanitarian Law bridges the gap between theory and practice and serves as a useful reference tool for scholars, practitioners, military personnel, civil servants, diplomats, human rights workers and students.

Part I Wepons Law.-The Demands of Future Operations and the Promise of Non- or Less-Lethal Weapons.- The Status of Nuclear Deterrence under International Law in Light of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.- Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems and Their Compatibility with International Humanitarian Law: A Primer on the Debate.- The Law of Armed Conflict Issues Created by Programming Automatic Target Recognition Systems Using Deep Learning Methods.- Part II Other Articles.- Ordinances and Articles of War before the Lieber Code, 866-1863: The Long Pre-history of International Humanitarian Law.- Year in Review 2018.