The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Archive: Protecting Civilians in Gaza and Beyond with Marc Garlasco and Emily Tripp
Jun 7, 2025
Marc Garlasco, a former war crimes investigator and current military advisor at PAX, teams up with Emily Tripp, Director of Airwars, to discuss vital issues surrounding civilian protection in conflict zones. They analyze the Pentagon's groundbreaking policy on civilian harm reduction amidst ongoing challenges, particularly in Gaza. The conversation covers the disconnect between military initiatives and the realities faced by civilians, the ethical responsibilities of military operations, and the crucial partnerships between NGOs and military entities to enhance humanitarian efforts.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Human Cost Behind Military Policy
- Military discussions often sound clinical but must remember they're about human lives.
- The new policy is hopeful but comes after decades of failure to protect civilians.
Broadening Definition of Civilian Harm
- Civilian harm includes death, injury, displacement, and loss of essential services.
- Militaries' adoption of the broader term is positive but definitions vary and sometimes downplay harm.
Unacknowledged Civilian Deaths Persist
- Most civilian deaths from US and allied operations remain unacknowledged.
- Compensation and accountability efforts exist but are slow and limited.