The Nature and Concept of Plundering Natural Resources in Armed Conflicts from the Perspective of International Law

Hasanjanzadeh, Zahra; Mashhadi, Ali; Ghadir, Mohsen

doi:10.22059/jplsq.2023.362502.3358

Document Type : Article

Authors

¹ Ph.D. Student in International Law, Faculty of Law, University of Qom, Qom, Iran. ‎

² Associate Prof., Faculty of Law, University of Qom, Qom, Iran‎

³ Assistant Prof., Faculty of Law, University of Qom, Qom, Iran‎

https://doi.org/10.22059/jplsq.2023.362502.3358

Abstract

The phenomenon of the plundering of natural resources in armed conflicts is considered one of the serious current threats to the environment and a danger to peace and security within countries and in the international arena. There has long been a close dependency and connection between natural resources and armed conflicts. This bidirectional relationship has resulted in irreparable damage to natural resources during conflicts, as well as putting human lives at risk. This paper, using a descriptive-analytical approach, aims to outline a desirable perspective in explaining the conceptual scope of the phenomenon of plunder and, by evaluating international law regulations in this area, seeks to find an appropriate model to minimize the damages caused by this phenomenon. In this regard, recent efforts by the International Law Convention to address the issue of plunder in the draft provisions for the protection of the environment in armed conflicts in 2022 are also considered and examined. An analysis of existing rules confirms the reality that, despite the abundance of international regulations in this area, these rules appear to be insufficient in practice and have not provided the necessary legal mechanisms to effectively combat this phenomenon.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Public International Law

References

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The Nature and Concept of Plundering Natural Resources in Armed Conflicts from the Perspective of International Law

References

References

Volume 55, Issue 3 - Serial Number 43Autumn 2025October 2025Pages 1677-1702

Volume 55, Issue 3 - Serial Number 43
Autumn 2025
October 2025
Pages 1677-1702