As a complement to the background note on the positions concerning the 14 April 2018 military response to the poison gas attack on Douma assumed by the Netherlands and key allies, the present note... Show moreAs a complement to the background note on the positions concerning the 14 April 2018 military response to the poison gas attack on Douma assumed by the Netherlands and key allies, the present note provides a general overview of the relevant legal norms and the academic debate surrounding the issues of interstate use of force and humanitarian intervention, including reform proposals for the way forward. It does not claim to provide an exhaustive treatment of the subjects covered and the available literature on them. Rather, its intention is to provide context, background, and stimulate debate among the members of the Expert Group. Show less