Through empirical research and a review of the literature, The Roots of Behaviour in War study enunciated and confirmed three hypotheses concerning the behaviour of combatants at war: (1) the universal character of adherence to humanitarian principles, (2) the importance for combatants of authority, group affiliation and the spiral of violence they often find themselves locked into, and (3) the existence of mechanisms of moral disengagement when violations of IHL are committed. In addition, the study provided information on the impact of ICRC activities on combatants’ behaviour.

The study’s main lessons may be summarized by the following three points: (1) Efforts to disseminate IHL must be made a legal and political matter rather than a moral one, and focus more on norms than on their underlying values, because the idea that the combatant is morally autonomous is mistaken. (2) Greater respect for IHL is possible only if bearers of weapons are properly trained, if they are under strict orders as to the conduct to adopt and if effective sanctions are applied in the event they fail to obey such orders. (3) It is crucial that the ICRC be perfectly clear about its aims when it seeks to promote IHL and prevent violations: does it want to impart knowledge, modify attitudes or influence behaviour? The ICRC must develop strategies genuinely aimed at preventing violations of IHL.

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