On the use of force

The use of force by the state through its security services has been the topic of much debate, especially in recent years after the Black Lives Matter movement highlighted and protested against the treatment of black people by police officers. The state’s use of force through the police and through military campaigns is closely examined and assessed in relation to both the treatment of ethnic minorities in the UK, and to the treatment of civilians by the US–UK coalition in the Middle East as part of the War on Terror. The violation of human rights, despite the principles, rules and laws already in place to protect them, is explored by examining the use of the prone position at home, and the tactic of airstrikes, the use of prohibited weapons and the treatment of detainees by UK forces abroad.