Mary Ellen O'Connell
Notre Dame Law School
Robert and Marion Short Professor of Law, Research Professor of International Dispute Resolution, Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies
- International law
- International legal regulation of the use of force
- Conflict and dispute resolution
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O'Connell’s Latest News
O'Connell in the News
OSV News
Experts: U.S. officials must aim to prevent ‘tit-for-tat’ escalation between Israel, Iran
April 17, 2024
Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor at Notre Dame Law School who specializes in international law and conflict resolution, told OSV News that “the clear success in countering Iran’s missile and drone strikes on Israel is a dramatic demonstration of the true legal and moral meaning of ‘self-defense.'”
Financial Times
War by algorithm raises new moral dangers
April 11, 2024
Mary Ellen O’Connell, a law professor at the University of Notre Dame who supports a ban on LAWS, says that realists tend to favour the projection of power over the protection of the rule of law.
Associated Press
Top UN court will hold hearings in a case accusing Germany of facilitating Israel's Gaza conflict
April 08, 2024
“The case next week in The Hague will likely further galvanize opposition to any support for Israel,” said Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor of law and international peace studies at the University of Notre Dame.
Associated Press
Top UN court orders Israel to prevent genocide in Gaza but stops short of ordering cease-fire
January 29, 2024
Now we find you are in the midst of committing genocide,’” said Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor of law and international peace studies at Notre Dame University’s Kroc Institute.
Associated Press
How genocide officially became a crime and why South Africa is accusing Israel of committing it
January 26, 2024
The reason the genocide convention exists “is related directly to what the (Nazi) Third Reich attempted to do in eliminating a people, the Jewish people, not only of Germany, but of Eastern Europe, of Russia,” said Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor of law and international peace studies at Notre Dame University’s Kroc Institute.
OSV News
Analysis: Israel’s war on Hamas raises significant moral concerns as Gaza death toll soars
January 04, 2024
The question is being asked: Can Israel’s conflict conduct be considered a “just war” under the Catholic understanding of the concept? Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor of law and international peace studies at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, told OSV News that’s the wrong question.
America
What a Catholic peace studies expert thinks is the way out of war in Gaza
November 20, 2023
Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor of law at the University of Notre Dame and of international peace studies at the university’s Kroc Institute, believes this tit-for-tat strategy is precisely the wrong response if regional de-escalation is indeed the desire of the Biden administration.
CNN
Opinion: Marjorie Taylor Greene botches the explanation
November 15, 2023
“Hamas’ massive, brutal attacks and kidnappings perpetrated against Israelis on October 7 violated humanity’s most fundamental international legal principles,” wrote Mary Ellen O’Connell, an international law expert at the University of Notre Dame.
OSV News
Move To Update Nuclear Gravity Bomb Concerns Catholic Leaders, Peace Advocates
November 15, 2023
“We need to beef up our State Department. We need skills for diplomacy,” said Mary Ellen O’Connell, a law professor and professor of international peace studies at the University of Notre Dame’s Kroc Institute. “
CNN
Opinion: Biden needs to call for a ceasefire and restore respect for international law
November 07, 2023
Mary Ellen O’Connell is the Robert and Marion Short professor of law and professor of international peace studies-Kroc Institute at the University of Notre Dame.
Bloomberg
Supreme Court Seems Ready to OK GOP South Carolina Map
Audio
October 12, 2023
International law expert Mary Ellen O'Connell, a professor at Notre Dame Law School, discusses the law governing international conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war. June Grasso hosts.
WNDU
Michiana leaders react to Israel, Hamas war
October 10, 2023
A statement from Notre Dame law professor Mary Ellen O’Connell argues that Israel has the right to use military force defensively, but not offensively, and that it should restrict its defense to shielding communities where nationals live.
The Economist
States are becoming more brazen about killing foes abroad
September 27, 2023
Mary Ellen O’Connell of the University of Notre Dame in America argues “there is no grey zone”.
OSV News
Holy See urges more nations to sign treaty banning cluster munitions
September 13, 2023
Mary Ellen O'Connell, a professor at Notre Dame Law School who specializes in international law and conflict resolution, told OSV News that "the Catholic Church is in full support of the total ban on cluster munitions" due to its effects on civilians, including long after the conflict.
Our Sunday Visitor
U.S. to provide Ukraine cluster munitions opposed by the church as ‘inhumane’
July 12, 2023
Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor at Notre Dame Law School who specializes in international law and conflict resolution, told OSV News Ukraine “has the legal and moral right to defend itself.”
Correio Braziliense
Primeiro incidente direto entre aeronaves da Rússia e dos EUA causa tensão diplomática
March 15, 2023
Em entrevista ao Correio, Mary Ellen O'Connell — professora de direito e especialista em resolução de disputas internacionais pela Universidade de Notre Dame (em Indiana) — admitiu que qualquer engajamento militar entre EUA e Rússia é "muito grave".
USA Today
Russian fighter jet collides with US Air Force drone over Black Sea
March 14, 2023
The U.S. should not respond with direct force against Russia, said Notre Dame Law School professor Mary Ellen O’Connell, an expert on international law and the use of force. While the drone was probably conducting surveillance for Ukraine, Russia’s disruption of the Reaper was within the laws of armed conflict, even if Russia had better ways of doing so, she said.
The Guardian
Russian fighter jet collides with US drone causing it to crash into Black Sea
March 14, 2023
Mary Ellen O’Connell, a Notre Dame Law School professor and expert on the international law and the use of force, noted that by dumping fuel and downing the drone, the Russian pilot was “further polluting the fragile Black Sea”, but she noted the US had not called the interception “unlawful”.
National Catholic Reporter
Cardinal McElroy says church must 'redesign' just-war theory, favor nonviolent action
March 03, 2023
Drawing on six decades of papal teaching on peace, the cardinal told an audience at the University of Notre Dame on March 1 that Catholics are facing a "new moment" in history, one that requires finding nonviolent alternatives to prevent war.
Southern California Public Radio
It’s Been A Year Since Russia Invaded Ukraine. Reflecting On What’s Happened Since And What’s To Come
Audio
February 24, 2023
Joining to discuss is Kateryna Malofieieva, freelance journalist based in Ukraine, Daniel Treisman, professor of political science at UCLA, Ambassador Oleh Shamskur, nonresident senior fellow at Atlantic Council and former ambassador of Ukraine to the United States from 2006 to 2010, and Mary Ellen O'Connell professor of international law at the University of Notre Dame.
Our Sunday Visitor
Putin's suspension of key US-Russia nuclear arms treaty increases global risk, say experts
February 22, 2023
Mary Ellen O'Connell, a professor of law and a research professor of international dispute resolution at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame, told OSV News that the suspension is different in substance than a withdrawal. Gerard Powers, director of Catholic peacebuilding studies at Notre Dame's Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies and coordinator of the Catholic Peacebuilding Network, told OSV News that "during the Cold War, arms control was often possible when there were thaws in U.S.-Soviet relations."
Indiana Landmarks
A Message to the Future
February 15, 2023
After living in Germany and historic Midwestern communities, Mary Ellen O’Connell and Pete Bauer appreciate quality craftsmanship and walkable cities. So, in 2005, when Mary Ellen accepted a teaching position at the University of Notre Dame’s law school in South Bend, the couple made finding a historic home within biking distance of the university a top priority.
WSBT TV
Notre Dame professor on Chinese spy balloon, international law
Video
February 06, 2023
Mary Ellen O'Connell says spying is nothing new, but anyone trying to carry out intelligence must stay outside the 12-mile territorial sea boundary.
Associated Press
Sarajevo’s agony echoes as Ukraine braces for a dark winter
December 29, 2022
“It is absolutely the case that terrorizing the civilian population, to break their morale, to get them to demand of their leaders that they surrender, is not a form of military necessity,” said Mary Ellen O’Connell, a University of Notre Dame law professor and expert on international law.
The Intercept
Will Biden sell advanced drones to Ukraine?
November 30, 2022
Mary Ellen O’Connell, an international law professor at the University of Notre Dame, said the Pentagon’s stance on the risks to its technology is “yet another indication of U.S. foreign and security policy stuck in Cold War thinking. It’s also another example of post-Cold War disinterest in international law.”
Time
As Russia Threatens Captured American Vets, U.S. Invokes Laws of War
June 21, 2022
Every fighter claiming to be a legal combatant is entitled to a hearing to learn if their conduct in any way violated the law of war, such as failing to wear a uniform or some form of insignia while engaging in military operations, said Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor of international law at the University of Notre Dame.
Associated Press
Russian sentenced to life in Ukraine's 1st war crimes trial
May 23, 2022
Mary Ellen O’Connell, an expert on international law at the University of Notre Dame, said that putting Shishimarin on trial could prove “extremely detrimental to Ukrainian soldiers in the hands of Russia.”
Catholic News Service
Accountability for alleged war crimes in Ukraine likely a long way off
April 22, 2022
Although inquiries are underway, Mary Ellen O’Connell, professor of law at the University of Notre Dame, called for a negotiated end to the war — the sooner the better.
CNBC
War crime charges may not be enough to deter Putin — even as evidence of Russian atrocities mounts
April 08, 2022
“International condemnation or war crimes threats will have little effect on Russian behavior. This is nothing new for them,” said Bob Latiff, adjunct professor at the University of Notre Dame, citing previous offenses in Syria and Chechnya...“The crimes are increasing resolve among Ukraine’s existing supporters to continue and even step-up military assistance and economic pressure. But ending the war will require a bigger coalition of support — reaching China, India, and others,” Mary Ellen O’Connell, professor of law at the University of Notre Dame, said.
Reuters
Putin acting 'irrationally,' says analyst, but settlement possible
Video
March 17, 2022
Mary Ellen O’Connell, Professor of International Dispute Resolution at the University of Notre Dame, said that the conflict is at a critical juncture, and that Russia’s failure to attain its military objectives provides an opportunity.
USA Today
A 'cold-blooded' alliance? China could be a pivotal force in Russia's war against Ukraine
March 14, 2022
“Russia would like China to step in to mitigate sanctions,” said Notre Dame Law School professor Mary Ellen O’Connell, author of "The Crisis in Ukraine.”
WGN
Ukraine and Russia from an international law perspective with Notre Dame professor
Audio
February 26, 2022
Mary Ellen O’Connell, International Law specialist and Law and research professor at Notre Dame talks about previous conflicts with NATO countries. The two discuss Russia’s position in the United Nations and putting pressure on Putin.
CNN
How the world can make Putin pay for invading Ukraine
February 24, 2022
Mary Ellen O’Connell is the Robert and Marion Short Professor of Law and research professor of international dispute resolution at the University of Notre Dame.
WSBT TV
Notre Dame professor explains history of Russia-Ukraine relations
Video
February 24, 2022
Professor Mary O'Connell says Ukraine became a fully independent member of the United Nations under a treaty with the Soviet Union in 1991.
NPR
Has Russia already invaded Ukraine? An expert clarifies 'invasion'
Audio
February 23, 2022
We asked Mary Ellen O'Connell, professor of international dispute studies at Notre Dame Law School and the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, how do we know when we've passed the red line?
Associated Press
EXPLAINER: Ukraine shows how not all 'invasions' are equal
February 22, 2022
Mary Ellen O’Connell, a Notre Dame law professor and an expert on international law and the use of force, says any crossing of a national border with military forces is unlawful, even if it’s called something other than an invasion.
The Guardian
Yemen: Saudi-led airstrike on rebel-run prison kills at least 60 and wounds 200
January 21, 2022
“News of the Saudi air strike on a prison – a protected civilian site – and knocking out Yemen’s internet is both tragic and no surprise,” said Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor at Notre Dame law school in the US.
Associated Press
Family seeks to sue Lebanon over dead father’s captivity
January 19, 2022
Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor at the Notre Dame Law School, said it may be challenging for a case to be brought against Lebanon, which is not designated a “state sponsor of terrorism.”
CNBC
Biden didn’t accept Putin’s ‘red lines’ on Ukraine – here’s what that means
December 08, 2021
“Putin has said again and again that Ukraine is culturally and historically part of Russia. Ukraine’s history is complicated, but for Putin and other Russians, Russia should by rights include Ukraine,” said Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor at the University of Notre Dame, when asked why Russia opposed NATO’s expansion.
Business Insider
Biden risks killing more civilians with drone strikes in Afghanistan as part of his 'over-the-horizon' strategy, experts warn
September 21, 2021
"Not only do remote pilots have only a vague idea in most cases who they are killing, now that the war is over in Afghanistan, it will be virtually impossible to use drone strikes legally," Mary Ellen O'Connell, Notre Dame Law School professor and expert on international law in relation to the use of force, told Insider.
Politifact
COVID-19 vaccination does not violate the Nuremberg Code
August 20, 2021
The Nuremberg principles that Key alludes to are not part of U.S. law; they refer to a treaty agreed to after World War II to prosecute individuals for war crimes, and crimes against humanity, said Mary Ellen O’Connell, a law professor at the University of Notre Dame School of Law.
ABC 57
Expert: Taliban takeover inevitable, a multi-administration failure
Video
August 16, 2021
Despite the poorly planned exit, Mary Ellen O’Connell says this was a multi-administration failure three presidents in the making.
Xinhua
Five militiamen killed in U.S. airstrikes in Iraq, Syria
June 28, 2021
Mary Ellen O'Connell, a professor at Notre Dame Law School, has criticized the U.S. attacks as a violation of international law.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Planet America
Video
March 09, 2021
Mary Ellen O'Connell, law, speaks with Australian Broadcasting Corporation. (starting at 15:00)
USA Today
Rockets strike Iraqi base housing US troops ahead of Pope Francis visit
March 03, 2021
Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor of law at the University of Notre Dame and an expert on the use of military force, said in emailed comments that the attacks in Iraq "demonstrate the danger and illegality of deploying force for deterrence."
Associated Press
Militia official: US strike in Syria kills 1, wounds several
February 26, 2021
Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor at Notre Dame Law School, criticized the U.S. attack as a violation of international law.
Financial Times
US launches air strikes against Iran-linked militias in Syria
February 26, 2021
Mary Ellen O’Connell, an expert in the lawful use of force at the University of Notre Dame, described the act as a “grave violation of international law”, saying the US had no right to target Syrian soil in reprisal for an act committed in Iraq.
Al Jazeera
First US military action under Biden draws criticism
February 26, 2021
Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor at Notre Dame Law School, criticised the US attack as a violation of international law.
Vox
Why Democrats are blasting Biden’s attack against Iranian proxies in Syria
February 26, 2021
Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor at Notre Dame and co-author of Self-Defense Against Non-State Actors, told me she agrees that the president should come to Congress when there is time to seek authorization.
National Catholic Reporter
Unpacking the fine print of Biden's declaration about the war in Yemen
February 26, 2021
I spoke about Biden's announcement on Yemen with Mary Ellen O'Connell, a professor at the University of Notre Dame Law School and a research professor of international dispute resolution at Notre Dame's Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies.
Associated Press
US bombs facilities in Syria used by Iran-backed militia
February 26, 2021
Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor at Notre Dame Law School, criticized the U.S. attack as a violation of international law.