In the second half of July 2025, the Centre for International Humanitarian and Operational Law (CIHOL) at the Faculty of Law, Palacký University Olomouc, proudly hosted its inaugural Summer School on the Use of Force in International Law. The fourteen-day programme brought more than thirty participants from three continents to Olomouc, offering them a unique combination of lectures, discussions, and social encounters.

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The summer school was co-led by Dr Martin Faix and Dr Marko Svicevic, both core members of CIHOL, from the Department of International and European Law. Together with an international team of five guest lecturers, they guided participants through some of the most pressing issues in contemporary international law. The international character of the lecturing team was one of the programme’s highlights. Participants had the opportunity to learn from Prof. Niels Blokker of Leiden University, Prof. José Alberto Azeredo Lopes, a former Portuguese Minister of Defence, Dr Maria Isabel Tavares, also from Porto, as well as Associate Prof. Tamás Hoffmann of Corvinus University in Budapest, and Dr Agata Kleczkowska of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

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In line with CIHOL’s goal to combine theory with hands-on experience, the academic and practical dimensions came together seamlessly during field visits. Participants visited the UN Headquarters in Vienna, where they gained first-hand insight into diplomatic institutions central to international peace and security. This was followed by an exciting practical day with the 91st Information Warfare Group of the Czech Armed Forces, where attendees engaged in simulations involving disinformation, information operations, and military response.

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Social and intercultural exchanges were equally important. Participants had the opportunity to discover the historical charm of Olomouc, take on the challenge of laser tag and bowling, and test their knowledge in a pub quiz. The summer school, attended by students from France, Spain, Portugal, Poland, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Uganda, and Taiwan, created a truly global educational environment rich in diverse insights and lively discussions.

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Feedback speaks volumes. As Daniel Zapilaj of the University of Warsaw commented, “The lecturers were great. I liked the opportunity to look at selected topics from different angles, discuss practical cases, and engage in group work. The excursions were the icing on the cake.” Organisers were equally enthusiastic as Dr Faix confirmed: “This was definitely not the last year. On the contrary. The feedback from this year's graduates and interest from abroad motivates us to organise further editions.”

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CIHOL remains true to its mission: to offer dynamic, interdisciplinary programmes that connect international law theory with real-world application and prepare future leaders and experts to address complex challenges in the fields of the use of force, armed conflict, and human rights.

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We are already looking forward to welcoming the next group of participants next year, confident that the programme will once again offer an enriching, diverse, and inspiring experience.