IHL & Wargaming
Even wars have rules.
International Humanitarian Law protects human dignity in armed conflict. It exists because even in the darkest moments of war, humanity must prevail.
Learn why these rules matter — and how wargaming can help you understand, apply, and teach them.
The Foundations
Three principles that protect humanity
At the heart of International Humanitarian Law are three interconnected principles. Together, they form the legal framework that governs the conduct of hostilities.
These principles derive from the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977, ratified by virtually every state in the world.
The Gap
Knowing the law is not the same as applying it
What Is Taught
- •Treaty articles and legal definitions in lecture format
- •Historical case studies analyzed after the fact
- •Abstract principles separated from operational context
- •Knowledge tested through written exams
What Is Needed
- •Real-time decision-making under operational pressure
- •Contextual analysis with geographic and tactical variables
- •Practice applying principles before consequences are real
- •Immediate feedback connecting actions to legal standards
Traditional IHL education produces lawyers who understand the law. Scenario-based training produces practitioners who can apply it under pressure.
The Bridge
Wargaming forces the decisions that textbooks describe
Wargaming bridges the gap between legal theory and operational practice by placing learners inside the scenario — not outside it.
Reading case law
Building the scenario yourself
Memorizing articles
Applying principles under pressure
Analyzing past conflicts
Making decisions before consequences unfold
The Toolkit
Tools built for IHL learning
Every feature in the IHL Wargame is designed to answer a specific legal question. Click any tool to learn more.
The Mission
Your first IHL analysis starts here
Situation
A hostile sniper is engaging friendly forces from the rooftop of a functional hospital. Blue forces are taking effective small arms fire from St. Thomas Hospital. Intelligence confirms it is a lone sniper. The hospital is operational with patients inside.
Rules of Engagement
1. Self-Defense is authorized.
2. Do not target medical facilities unless they are being used to commit acts harmful to the enemy.
3. Verify target before engagement.
Learning Objectives
- Understand Article 19 of GC IV (Loss of Protection)
- Evaluate the requirement for warnings before attacking medical units
- Assess proportionality when a protected site loses protection
A High-Value Target moving through a dense market area approaching a tunnel. Time-sensitive decision under IHL constraints.
The enemy uses the city power grid to power their air defense network — but the same grid powers civilian water treatment.
The Library
Key IHL terms & resources
External Resources
Comprehensive database of IHL treaties, customary rules, and national implementation measures.
Complete text of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols.
Over 450 case studies and documents for IHL education, organized by theme and region.
161 rules of customary international humanitarian law, with evidence of state practice.
Articles, essays, and commentary on the law of armed conflict from military legal scholars.
You've learned the law. You've seen the method.
Now apply it.
Enter the sandbox and build your first tactical scenario. The AI advisor is ready to analyze your decisions.
Built for IHL Training & Education
© 2026 Kalo Orfali. All rights reserved.
How to Cite
Orfali, K. (2026). IHL Wargame: Tactical Scenario Simulator for International Humanitarian Law Training (Version 0.1 Alpha) [Computer software].