Abstract

The forcible protection of one states‟ own nationals on another state‟s
territory is one which stretches the boundaries of the broader, inherent right of
self-defence available to states under international law. Known as the
„protection of nationals abroad‟ this doctrine is one which remains, at best,
highly controversial. This Article examines the lawfulness of action taken by
British forces when they rescued and evacuated British nationals prior to
Libya descending into civil war. It also considers the extent to which action
by British forces fits within the highly controversial paradigm of „protection
of nationals abroad‟.